Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar, (DD)In a major relief measure, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has approved a significant increase in ex-gratia compensation for civilians, government employees, ex-servicemen, and Village Defence Guards (VDGs) who suffer death, disability, or injury due to violence or any form of civil disturbance in Jammu and Kashmir.
This enhancement is in addition to the existing central scheme, under which Rs 5 lakh is granted to civilian victims of terrorist violence for cases involving death or permanent disability.
As per the revised structure:
For civilian deaths, the ex-gratia has been increased from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 2.5 lakh (a 250% hike).
For civilians with permanent disabilities, compensation rises from Rs 75,000 to Rs 1.5 lakh.
For ex-police personnel, the ex-gratia for death now stands at Rs 4 lakh, up from Rs 2 lakh, while compensation for permanent disability has been raised from Rs 75,000 to Rs 1.5 lakh.
For Magistrates on duty, the relief has been increased from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 5 lakh in case of death, and to Rs 1.5 lakh for permanent disability.
For Village Defence Guards, the ex-gratia for death has been raised to Rs 2.5 lakh, and to Rs 1.5 lakh in case of permanent disability.
For government employees killed on duty, the compensation has seen a five-fold jump, rising from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 5 lakh. In case of disability, the amount now stands at Rs 1.5 lakh.
The Lieutenant Governor paid tribute to those who have sacrificed their lives in the service of the nation and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting their families. He emphasized that while India has endured cross-border terrorism for decades, “Operation Sindoor” has marked a turning point—shifting from a posture of deterrence to one of decisive action.
“Pakistan will pay a heavy price for any future misadventure,” LG Sinha warned, adding that the administration remains focused on strengthening internal security and ensuring the welfare of all those involved in safeguarding Jammu and Kashmir(DD)