CHANDIGARH DECEMBER 16: The Punjab government has taken path breaking initiatives to ensure the overall welfare of the serving defence personnel and ex-servicemen in recognition of their outstanding services to protect nation’s integrity by safeguarding its borders from external aggression.
Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that the department of Defence Welfare has implemented several decisions on the direction of the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal for the well being of the defence personnel and Ex-servicemen.
The state government has decided to grant the benefit of service rendered by the short service commissioned officers in armed forces at the time of entry into government service on the pattern of the benefit already extended to the ex-servicemen, which will benefit hundreds of families. The Dharmi Fauji who were affected by terrorism, their Monthly Grant (MMG) has been doubled from Rs.2500/- to 5000/-. At present this benefit was being taken by 118 Dharmi Fauji.
The spokesman further mentioned that the budget for monthly annuity to the Gallantry Awardees’, such as Paramvir Chakra, Mahavir Chakra, Vir Chakra, Ashok Chakra and other Gallantry Awardees, was earlier enhanced by 40% and now the Cabinet has in its recent meeting further increased it by 10%. At present 1849 beneficiaries were getting this benefit. Strenuous efforts were afoot for the exemption of the toll tax for Ex-Servicemen. It may be recalled that the Defence Services Welfare Minister Punjab Captain Balbir Singh Bath had already approached the Union Road and Transport Minister Dr. CP Joshi and Union Defence Minister Mr AK Antony, in this regard.
In another significant decision, the Defence Services Welfare Department had amended its Departmental Rules by which the condition for retirement age of regular officers of the Department, which was earlier 10 years or on the completion of 58 years of age, whichever is earlier, has now been abolished and the superannuation would be on the completion of 58 years of age.
