Double pension for widows of ex-Servicemen sought

Special Correspondent

CHANDIGARH: Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda on Wednesday suggested that widows of ex-Servicemen, who had also served the State Government’s Civil Service after retirement, should be allowed to receive the military pension as well as the State Government’s civil pension.

Speaking at a meeting of the Kendriya Sainik Board in New Delhi chaired by Union Defence Minister A. K. Antony, Mr. Hooda said it was necessary to give them this incentive keeping in view the cost of living.

According to an official release here, Mr. Hooda said that in case of death occurring during action in war or such engagements which are specifically notified by the Defence Ministry as during the Kargil war, an ex-gratia grant of Rs.10 lakh was given but otherwise ex-gratia was given at the rate of Rs.5 lakh.

He, therefore, suggested that no distinction be made in the quantum of ex-gratia payment given to Servicemen killed in an officially declared war or in action against militants.

He also called for a fresh look at the pension benefits of ex-Servicemen who retired prior to January 1, 1986.

The Chief Minister said the State Government had decided to enhance financial assistance being given at the time of marriage of orphan daughter of ex-Servicemen from Rs.21,000 to 51,000 and it was already providing many other incentives and facilities to the serving personnel, ex-Servicemen, war widows and their dependents.

Mr. Hooda said the Haryana Urban Development Authority (HUDA) would develop Defence Colonies in Rohtak, Jhajjar, Rewari, Hisar, Jind, Narnaul, Bahadurgarh, Karnal and Dadri exclusively for ex-Servicemen, widows of ex-Servicemen and serving defence personnel.