Chandigarh: Conceding their long pending demand, Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh on Tuesday approved cash grant instead of land for war widows.

Chandigarh: Conceding their long pending demand, Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh on Tuesday approved cash grant instead of land for war widows.

The policy change will be applicable to dependents of martyred soldiers besides permanently disabled soldiers of 1962 Indo-China War, 1965 Indo-Pak War and widows of 1971 Indo-Pak War.

Disclosing this here today, a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said Captain Amarinder had okayed a grant of Rs. 5 Lacs in lieu of one acre of land, with maximum of Rs. 50 lacs for 10 acres, as per individual eligibility. 

The Chief Minister also directed the Sainik Welfare department to expedite the disbursement of the cash to provide the war widows with the much-needed relief, said the spokesperson, adding that Captain Amarinder has reiterated his commitment to the welfare of the war widows, as well as ex-servicemen.

The Chief Minister has started connecting with all the war widows and ex-servicemen in the state on a personal basis through Demi-Official letters. The Chief Minister had been writing such letters, inquiring about their well-being, to the war widows and ex-servicemen since he took over the reins of the state, said the spokesperson.

The Chief Minister has also set up a special ex-serviceman cell in the CMO, under his direct supervision, to look into various issues concerning them. He has also directed the Civil and Police officials to extend full respect, assistance and recognition to ex-servicemen in the state.