Government to now fully fund education of martyrs' children

NEW DELHI: The government will now fully fund the education of martyrs' children, said a notification today from the defence ministry.

Earlier, the education of these children was funded, but only up to Rs 10,000 a month. That limitation, on what's called "educational concession", has now been removed.

The concession applies to the children of officers from the armed forces, 'persons below officer rank' missing in action, and those disabled or killed in action. This scheme covers around 3,400 children and entails an expenditure of around Rs 5 crore a year currently.

"The educational concession will be admissible only for undertaking studies in government/government-aided schools/educational institutes/military /Sainik schools and other schools or colleges recognised by the central or state governments, including autonomous organisations financed entirely by the central/state governments," said a statement posted by the defence ministry on Twitter.

In December, TOI reported that the defence ministry is "re-examining" its decision to cap the educational expenses paid to the children of martyrs and disabledsoldiers after strong protests by the affected families as well as a collective representation from the Army, Navy and IAF chiefs The chiefs of staff committee (CoSC), which comprises the Army, IAF and Navy chiefs,wrote to the defence ministry that the decision should be revised to ensure the Rs 10,000 cap is lifted. "This small gesture would assure the families of our brave women and men that the nation cares for them and their sacrifices are truly appreciated by the government," said CoSC chairman and Navy chief Admiral Sunil Lanba, in a letter.

"These personnel have made the supreme sacrifice for the country and the provision of educational concessions to their wards is a small gesture to recognize their commitment to the defence of the country," he added