The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has enhanced the ex gratia payment from Rs 21.5 lakh to Rs 35 lakh for troops killed in combat action and from Rs 16.5 lakh to Rs 25 lakh for casualties due to other causes like accident, suicide or illness while in service. The ex-gratia amount is payable to the next of kin of the deceased personnel.
The decision to enhance the ex gratia payment was taken during the annual governing body meeting of the paramilitary force held in September, a senior official said on Wednesday.
These ex-gratia payments will be drawn from the voluntary contribution made by the personnel of the force under two heads — risk fund and central welfare fund.
The officials said a similar decision is being taken in other Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) or paramilitary forces on the directions of the Union Home Ministry.
The CRPF has also enhanced the financial assistance given to the family members of its deceased personnel for the wedding of the daughter or the sister of the slain trooper. The financial assistance has been enhanced from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh, they said.
The CRPF is the world’s biggest paramilitary force with about 3.25 lakh personnel in its ranks and is designated as the lead internal security force for counter-terrorist and anti-Naxal operations. It is extensively deployed for counter-terrorist operations in Jammu and Kashmir and anti-insurgency role Naxal-hit States and the Northeast.