Conceding a long pending demand, Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh on Tuesday approved a policy change allowing cash grants 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.
“Capt Amarinder has approved a grant of Rs 5 lakh in lieu of one acre of land up to a maximum of Rs 50 lakh for 10 acres, as per individual eligibility,” informed an official spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office .
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, the spokesperson said.
He added that the Chief Minister has reiterated his commitment to the welfare of the war widows, as well as ex-servicemen.
Capt Amarinder has started connecting with all the war widows and ex-servicemen in the state on a personal basis through Demi-Official letters, the spokesperson said.
The Chief Minister has also set up a special Ex-Serviceman Cell in his office 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, the spokesperson said.