Date:16/05/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/05/16/stories/2008051655281300.htm

National

Gallantry award allowances doubled

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: The government on Wednesday announced a substantial increase in monetary allowance to winners of gallantry awards.

The proposal for the increase, which also covers awardees in the pre-Independence era, was initiated at the direction of Defence Minister A.K. Antony, said an official news release.

Param Vir Chakra (PVC) awardees, the highest gallantry award for action during a war, will now get Rs.3,000 instead of Rs.1,500. Winners of the Ashok Chakra, the equivalent of PVC during peacetime, will get Rs.2,800 instead of Rs.1,400.

The allowances for other gallantry awards have also been doubled.