Srinagar, May 17: In a significant move aimed at bolstering support for victims of violence and civil unrest, Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha has approved a substantial increase in ex-gratia relief under the Security Related Expenditure (SRE) scheme. The revised compensation applies to civilians, government employees, ex-servicemen (Police), magistrates, and Village Defence Guards (VDGs) affected by violence or civil commotion in Jammu and Kashmir.
This enhancement is in addition to the Central Government’s scheme, which provides Rs. 5 lakh as assistance to civilian victims of terrorist violence in cases of death or permanent disability.
As per the revised structure:
- In the event of a civilian’s death, the ex-gratia relief has been increased from Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 2.5 lakh—a 250% hike.
- For civilians who suffer permanent disability, the amount has been doubled from Rs. 75,000 to Rs. 1.5 lakh.
- In the case of ex-servicemen (Police), the ex-gratia for death has been raised from Rs. 2 lakh to Rs. 4 lakh, while for permanent disability it has been enhanced from Rs. 75,000 to Rs. 1.5 lakh.
- Death of a magistrate on duty will now attract an ex-gratia of Rs. 5 lakh, up from the earlier Rs. 2 lakh. Permanent disability in such cases will draw Rs. 1.5 lakh.
- Village Defence Guards (VDGs) will now receive Rs. 2.5 lakh in case of death (up from Rs. 1 lakh), and Rs. 1.5 lakh for permanent disability.
- For government employees who die in the line of duty due to violence, the ex-gratia has seen a 500% hike—from Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 5 lakh. In cases of permanent disability, the amount is raised to Rs. 1.5 lakh from Rs. 75,000.
Paying homage to those who laid down their lives in the line of duty, LG Sinha stated, “India has been subjected to cross-border terrorism for many decades, but ‘Operation Sindoor’ has drawn a new red line, marking a shift from deterrence to direct action.”
Warning Pakistan against any future misadventures, he added, “Pakistan will have to pay a very heavy price for any future misadventure. Our response will be visible and forceful.”
He emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring the welfare of the families of martyred civilians, ex-policemen, VDGs, and government employees. “It is my commitment to ensure that the next of kin live a life of comfort and dignity,” he said.
