Srinagar, May 17: In a significant move aimed at supporting victims of violence and civil commotion, the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, has approved a substantial hike in ex-gratia relief under the Security Related Expenditure (SRE) scheme.
The enhancement applies to civilians, government employees, ex-policemen, magistrates, and Village Defence Guards (VDGs), and is over and above the existing Central Scheme for Assistance to civilian victims of terrorist violence, which offers Rs. 5 lakh in cases of death and permanent disability.
As per the revised policy:
Civilians: Ex-gratia in case of death has been increased from Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 2.5 lakh—a 250% hike. For permanent disability, the amount has been doubled from Rs. 75,000 to Rs. 1.5 lakh.
Ex-servicemen (Police): In case of death, the ex-gratia has been raised from Rs. 2 lakh to Rs. 4 lakh (200% increase). For permanent disability, it has been increased from Rs. 75,000 to Rs. 1.5 lakh.
Magistrates on Duty: The amount in case of death has been enhanced from Rs. 2 lakh to Rs. 5 lakh. For permanent disability, Rs. 1.5 lakh will now be granted.
Village Defence Guards (VDGs): Death-related ex-gratia has been raised from Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 2.5 lakh, and Rs. 1.5 lakh will be given for permanent disability.
Government Employees on Duty: Ex-gratia for death has seen a steep increase of 500%, from Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 5 lakh. For permanent disability, the amount has been revised to Rs. 1.5 lakh from the earlier Rs. 75,000.
Paying tribute to those who have laid down their lives in service to the nation, LG Sinha said, “India has been subjected to cross-border terrorism for many decades, but ‘Operation Sindoor’ has drawn a new red line, marking a shift from deterrence to direct action. Pakistan will have to pay a very heavy price for any future misadventure.”
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Reiterating his administration’s commitment, the Lieutenant Governor added, “We are focusing on the well-being of the people playing a highly effective role in ensuring internal security and holistic development of Jammu and Kashmir. It is my commitment to ensure that the next of kin of martyred citizens, ex-policemen, VDGs, and government employees live a life of comfort and dignity.”
