Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh, December 4-
As a mark of respect towards the valiant soldiers serving the Armed forces in state, Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday cleared ex-gratia worth Rs 21.50 crore (Rs 25 lakh each) for 86 Armed forces personnel who have suffered physical casualties while serving the country.
Chairing a meeting today here at his official residence, the Chief Minister asked the officers to immediately release this ex-gratia amount started by his government for the first time in recognition of the enormous contribution of these brave hearts. He said that earlier, there was no such provision but his government has taken this initiative as these brave warriors suffer casualties during call of duty. Mann said that Punjab is the only state in the country to give Rs 25 lakh as ex-gratia to families of such soldiers adding that this was even much more than what 70% of the other states were giving to the families of soldiers in case of their death.
The CM said that after assuming the charge of office his government has decided to give Rs 1 crore to the distressed families as a mark of respect for the supreme sacrifice made by these heroes for the country.