The ex-gratia amount for the heirs of martyred jawans has been increased from Rs 50 lakh to Rs 1 crore.

Chandigarh: The Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is committed to the welfare of army personnel, martyrs' families, and ex-servicemen residing in the state. To support their dignity and provide financial assistance, the government has implemented several significant measures.

The ex-gratia amount for the heirs of martyred jawans has been increased from Rs 50 lakh to Rs 1 crore. Additionally, the Punjab government has included Agnivirs in this financial assistance scheme. Chief Minister Mann announced the introduction of an ex-gratia grant for families in the event of a soldier's death due to an accident (physical casualty), providing a grant of Rs 25 lakh.

Moreover, the Chief Minister has announced plans to double the financial assistance for servicemen who are disabled while on duty and increase financial support for non-pensioner ex-servicemen from World War I and II. He emphasized the state's dedication to honoring the immense contributions of soldiers, stating that the government has now introduced the ex-gratia grant, which previously did not exist.

Punjab Government's Commitment to Honoring Martyrs

The Punjab government is dedicated to fulfilling the dreams of its great martyrs. Chief Minister Mann reaffirmed this commitment during his oath of office, held in the village of Khatkar Kalan, the birthplace of Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh. To honor freedom fighters, the Punjab government has placed portraits of Shaheed Bhagat Singh and Constitution Maker Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in government offices.

In a significant move, Mohali International Airport has been named after Shaheed Bhagat Singh. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Mann, the Punjab government plans to install a statue of the martyr at the airport. Additionally, the Chief Minister has urged the central government to confer the highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna, to Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Shaheed Udham Singh, and Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha. 

The state government has already submitted a resolution to the Indian government, requesting that the new international airport at the Indian Air Force Station in Halwara, Ludhiana, be named after Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha.