Shillong: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Tuesday announced several welfare measures for the retired defence personnel and their families residing in the State.
“The Meghalaya Government has decided to enhance the cash award for Param Vir Chakra awardee from the existing Rs 1 lakh to Rs 5 lakh and also enhance the annuity to award winner (PVC) from Rs 1000 per month to Rs 10000 per month,” Sangma said, addressing the Meghalaya State Ex-Servicemen Rally held at Assam Regimental Centre (ARC), Happy Valley here.
The Chief Minister further announced that the ex-gratia to the next of kin of martyrs and disabled soldiers will be enhanced from the existing amount of Rs 15 lakh to Rs 20 lakh. Moreover, he said the NPP-led government has decided to exempt ex-servicemen and widows residing in Meghalaya from paying house tax.
Sangma informed that ex-gratia payment of Rs 15 lakh has been sanctioned by the Meghalaya Government to the next of kin of (L) Havildar Hampiar R Marak of the 59 Medium Regiment, a resident of Mendipathar, North Garo Hills District, who died while on duty in operational area in Naugam Sector along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir.
In addition to the various initiatives announced on Tuesday, the chief minister informed that sufficient space will be provided for the ECHS (Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme) Polyclinic in Tura, West Garo Hills. ] “The Government has also sanctioned Rs 4 crores for the construction of the Sainik Rest House in Shillong, the work for which will start at the earliest,” Sangma informed.
The Sainik Rest House will also accommodate the office of the Director of Sainik Welfare. In the course of his address, the Chief Minister said that the Ex-Servicemen Rally was an important platform that focuses on renewing the bond between serving and retired personnel, for addressing grievances for the welfare of ex-servicemen and for the felicitation of ‘Veer Naris’.
He also lauded the contribution of the veterans and the serving soldiers of Meghalaya and the North-East, towards the security and prosperity of the country. Sangma iterated that the State Government was committed to ensure maximum support and benefit is given to the ex-servicemen and the ‘Veer Naris’.
