Belagavi, Dec 16: Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Thursday said the state government has decided to raise the cash reward of military personnel decorated with gallantry and non-gallantry awards by almost five times.
“The long-standing demand of military personnel has been met. I have ordered for the raising of the cash reward by almost five times to those military personnel who have been decorated with gallantry and non-gallantry awards. Our government takes pride in honoring our armed forces,” Bommai said.
He announced the reward after paying tributes at the War Memorial in Maratha Light Infantry Regiment Training Center as part of the Swarna Vijay Divas celebrations to mark the Golden Jubilee Celebration of Indian victory in 1971 war against Pakistan.
The cash for Param Vir Chakra awardees has been raised from Rs 25 lakh to Rs 1.5 crore and Mahavir Chakra has been raised from Rs 12 lakh to Rs 1 crore, Bommai said.
Ashok Chakra awadee’s cash prize has been raised from Rs 25 lakh to Rs 1.5 crore and Keerthi Chakra from Rs 12 lakh to Rs 1 crore, besides Veera Chakra has been hiked from Rs 8 lakh to Rs 50 lakh, he said.
Shaurya Chakra has been increased from Rs 8 lakh to Rs 50 lakh and Sena-Nauka-Vayu Sena Medal from Rs 2 lakh to Rs15 lakh, besides Mention in Dispatches has been hiked from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 15 lakh, Bommai said.
Apart from defending the country from external aggression, the defense forces, he said, are playing an important role in internal security too. “They have contributed immensely for the technological advancement of the country as well,” he added.
Praising the valor of the Indian military, especially in 1971 war against Pakistan, Bommai said it exemplified the power, tact, valor and coordination of the Indian armed forces.
“In the 13-day war as many as 3,863 were martyred and over 9,000 injured. India scored a resounding victory as over 90,000 Pakistani troops surrendered. It was a great example of battle management,” he said.
Bommai said he was proud to pay his respects for the martyrs who laid down their lives in defending the country.
Referring to the importance of technology in defense forces, he said technology is playing a bigger role in the military worldwide and India is second to none in this aspect.
“Our Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) has empowered India in defense technology. I am proud to be participating in this Vijay Diwas celebrations. Bangladesh is celebrating its Independence Day. The Indian Army had played a major role in helping Bangladesh in this regard,” he said.
Tributes were also paid on the occasion for Chief of Defense Staff Gen Bipin Rawat and others who lost their lives in the recent helicopter crash.
Home Minister Araga Jnanendra, Major General JV Prasad and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.
