The revision of compensation for the families of martyrs was first done by the Atal Behari Vajpayee government in 1998 and now by another BJP govt under Narendra Modi. In a press release, Brig Anil Gupta, State Spokesperson stated, “In recognition of valour of soldiers and martyrs, Modi Government has more than doubled the compensation for widows and families of soldiers dying while fighting for the country. The move comes at a time when several Indian soldiers have been martyred due to repeated ceasefire violations by Pakistan following India’s surgical strike across the Line of Control.” The revised compensation will be effective from 01 January 2016.
Brig Anil Gupta also stated that while reviewing the compensation, the Modi Government also enhanced the areas and type of actions in which the compensation would be given to the soldiers attaining martyrdom. For deaths occurring due to accidents in the course of performance of duties, the compensation has been increased from the existing Rs 10 lakh to Rs 25 lakh. For the families of those soldiers who die while directly taking part in border skirmishes and action against militants and extremists, the compensation amount has been increased by Rs 20 lakh from 15 lakh to 35 lakh. The ex-gratia amount to be paid to the families of soldiers dying in high altitude areas such as Siachen has also been enhanced to Rs 35 lakh from the existing 15 lakh. For deaths occurring during enemy action in war or war-like engagements, in a war-torn zone in foreign country, the compensation has been increased from Rs 20 lakh to Rs 45 lakh. The government has also included the operations of the Navy and Air Force to evacuate Indian nationals from foreign countries in times of crisis. After the Modi government came into power, Indian Forces have been deployed in Yemen, Saudi Arabia and other conflict-torn countries for evacuating Ind