Welfare of Families of Gallantry awardees

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

LOK SABHA

ANSWERED ON   10.02.2014

2966 . Shri PURNMASI RAM

(a) the details of the mechanism available at Central and State level to provide financial assistance and extending healthcare facilities along with other basic requirements to the families of gallantry awardees;

(b) whether the widows of gallantry awardees including Param Veer Chakra are neglected and are in distress in the country; and

(c) if so, the details thereof and the action taken by the Government in this regard?

ANSWER

(a) A well established mechanism is in place for grant of monetary benefits by Central and State Governments to the recipients of gallantry awards and their families in the event of death of awardee as indicated below:

(i)  On receipt of the notification of the gallantry awards issued by President’s Secretariat, Service Hqrs. forward it to all Record Offices / concerned Rajya Sainik Board. Based on the notification and the concerned unit orders, the monetary benefits are released to the individual by the respective Pay and Allowances / Pension Disbursing Authority. The State Government also releases the applicable benefits directly to the individual / beneficiary.

(ii)  Rajya and Zila Sainik Boards are established at the State and District level to look after the welfare and provide financial assistance and other benefits to the Ex-servicemen and their dependents including families of gallantry awardees.

(iii)  Through a network of ECHS Polyclinics, Service medical facilities and civil empanelled / Government hospitals spread across the country, Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme provides quality healthcare to Ex-Servicemen pensioners and their dependents.

(b) As per the information available, no such case has been reported. Further, the Government has exempted the War Widows and Widows of gallantry awardees including Param Veer Chakra and War Disabled from payment of subscription towards ECHS membership.

(c) Question does not arise.