KD NEWS SERVICE
SRINAGAR, MAY 17: In a significant move aimed at supporting victims of violence and civil disturbances, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has announced a major enhancement in ex-gratia relief under the Security Related Expenditure (SRE) scheme. This relief is over and above the Rs. 5 lakh provided under the Central Scheme for Assistance to civilian victims of terrorist violence.
As per the new order, the ex-gratia amount in the case of civilian deaths due to violence or civil commotion has been raised from Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 2.5 lakh—a 250% increase. For permanent disability, the amount has been doubled from Rs. 75,000 to Rs. 1.5 lakh.
Similarly, the relief for ex-police personnel who die due to violence has been increased from Rs. 2 lakh to Rs. 4 lakh, while the amount for permanent disability has also been doubled to Rs. 1.5 lakh.
Magistrates on duty are also covered under the revised relief structure. In case of death, the ex-gratia has been raised from Rs. 2 lakh to Rs. 5 lakh. If they suffer permanent disability while on duty, they will receive Rs. 1.5 lakh.
For Village Defence Guards (VDGs), who play a critical role in local security, the ex-gratia for death has been enhanced from Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 2.5 lakh, and Rs. 1.5 lakh will be provided in case of permanent disability.
Government employees who lose their lives while on duty due to violence will now receive an ex-gratia of Rs. 5 lakh, a five-fold increase from the previous Rs. 1 lakh. The relief for permanent disability has also been doubled to Rs. 1.5 lakh.
Paying rich tributes to all those who made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation, LG Sinha emphasized that India has been grappling with cross-border terrorism for decades. He noted that “Operation Sindoor” has set a new precedent, shifting from deterrence to direct action.
“Pakistan will have to pay a very heavy price for any future misadventure. Our response will be visible and forceful,” the Lieutenant Governor warned. “At the same time, we are focusing on the well-being of the people playing a highly effective role in ensuring internal security and holistic development of Jammu Kashmir Union Territory.”
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring that the next of kin (NoKs) of martyred citizens, ex-policemen, VDGs, and government employees live a life of comfort and dignity.
