Chandigarh restores benefits to next of kin of defence, paramilitary personnel

Adopting Punjab pattern, the administration in 2001 had framed a policy under which ex-gratia grant of Rs 2 lakh to next of kin of defence personnel and paramilitary forces killed or disabled in action was fixed. As per the policy, next of kin eligible for applying for flats under discretionary quota would get a rebate of Rs 5 lakh on reserve price or Rs 5 lakh would be given in case the person wanted to build a house in his native place. The amount of Rs 5 lakh was given out of the Chandigarh defence and security relief fund. The administration also extended the scheme of compassionate appointments to next of kin in group C and D posts in Chandigarh.

The administration in 2013 enhanced the ex-gratia grant up to Rs 20 lakh vide a notification, superseding the earlier notification. However, in the notification, the other benefits provided under the previous policy were not included. Personnel of paramilitary forces were also left out, causing resentment. The Zila Sainik Welfare Board of Chandigarh took up the issue with the administration.

A fresh notification, issued by home department on February 3, reads: “It has been decided to continue to extend the benefits to the next of kin of defence personnel and personnel of paramilitary forces killed or disabled in action while engaged in the defence of the country as per policy dated October 10, 2001. It has also been decided that the notification dated July 15, 2013 vide which the rates of ex-gratia lump sum compensation have been enhanced, shall continue.”

When contacted, UT Home Secretary Anurag Aggarwal said that the benefits extended to next of kin of defence personnel and personnel of paramilitary forces vide notification issued in 2001 were removed from the notification issued in 2013 due to a clerical mistake. “We have restored all the benefits along with enhanced compensation,” he added.

Lt Col (retd) S S Sohi, president of Ex-Servicemen’s Grievances Cell, welcomed the decision of the administration to restore all the benefits. He urged the administration to consider next of kin for group A and B posts as well in Chandigarh.