Haryana hikes ex-gratia for bravehearts

Chandigarh, July 12 (IANS) The Haryana government Saturday announced a huge hike in the ex-gratia given to the families of central paramilitary forces from Haryana who are killed or disabled in an operational area or in terrorist-related activities.

Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda made the announcement here after a cabinet meeting.

Hooda said the ex-gratia amount of Rs 2.5 lakh given in case of death in war and action against militants or terrorists has now been increased to Rs.20 lakh.

In case of death during internal security and operations, the grant has been increased from Rs.2 lakh to Rs.20 lakh.

"Presently, no assistance is provided for death during rescue operations or election duty. Now, Rs.20 lakh would be given in such cases. An assistance of Rs.1 lakh given in case of disability of 75 percent or above to all eligible people has now been increased to Rs.15 lakh," Hooda said.

For 50 to 74 percent disabilities, the grant will now be Rs.10 lakh instead of Rs.75,000 earlier. For disability of 25 to 49 percent, the grant will be Rs.5 lakh.