Punjab govt hikes monetary allowance to gallantry awardees

Punjab government has hiked the monetary allowance given to gallantry award winners in the state by 20 per cent.
The enhanced rates of monetary allowance, to be effective from December 30 last year, will be applicable to Param Vir Chakra, Ashok Chakra, Mahavir Chakra, Kirti Chakra, Vir Chakra and Shaurya Chakra awardees of the state, an official spokesperson said here today.
The monetary allowance increased by the Param Vir Chakra is from Rs 19,250 to Rs 23,100, Ashok Chakra from Rs 15,400 to Rs 18,480, Maha Vir Chakra from Rs 14,630 to Rs 17,556, Kirti Chakra from Rs 11,550 to Rs 13,860, Vir Chakra from Rs 8,470 to Rs 10,164 and Shaurya Chakra from Rs 5,400 to Rs 6,480.

As many as four Param Vir Chakras, 26 Mahavir Chakras, 152 Vir Chakras, four Ashok Chakras, 31 Kirti Chakras and 177 Shaurya Chakras have been given to soldiers belonging to Punjab for displaying gallantry during war, counter-insurgency and anti-terrorists operations.
Annuity is given to those Army Personnel, who have received these awards prior to November 6, 2002, the spokesman said, adding that after November 6, 2002 lump sum grant is being given to awardees.
He clarified that at present there are no surviving Param Vir Chakra awardees in the state.