Maharashtra hikes compensation for families of its martyred soldiers to ₹25 lakh

The earlier amount was ₹8 lakh; the state government has also increased aid to soldiers with disabilities to a maximum of ₹15 lakh from ₹4 lakh.

The state government has decided to raise the one-time compensation given to families of martyred soldiers from Maharashtra to ₹25 lakh, from the current ₹8 lakh. It has also increased financial aid awarded to soldiers with disabilities owing to wars and conflicts to a maximum of ₹15 lakh.

Army officers carrying the body of a slain soldier. (PTI/Photo used for representational purpose only)

The decision, which comes into effect restrospectively from January 1, 2018, was taken by the state’s general administration department (GAD), which is headed by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Last week, on May 16, the department also issued a government resolution (GR) to this effect.

“Till November 2016, the state government was providing ₹8 lakh as financial assistance to families of martyred soldiers from the state, but now we have decided to increase the one-time compensation two-fold to ₹25 lakh as a member of their family has made a supreme sacrifice for the country; the families deserve more help than they were getting,” said a senior GAD official, requesting anonymity.

The state has also increased financial assistance to soldiers injured and suffering from permanent disabilities due to wars, conflicts or encounters — a soldier will now get ₹15 lakh in case his disability is 50% or more, ₹8.5 lakh if it’s between 25% and 50%, and ₹5 lakh for up to 25% disability, the official added. So far, soldiers were getting a maximum of ₹4 lakh as financial aid.