Answer By law4u team
In India, gallantry awards are among the highest honors given to individuals for acts of exceptional bravery, either in wartime or in situations of national emergency or crisis. These awards, such as the Param Vir Chakra, Ashok Chakra, Vir Chakra, and Sena Medal, recognize the selfless courage and sacrifice of soldiers, paramilitary personnel, and civilians.
While the central government provides the official recognition for these awards, several Indian states also offer additional incentives, including cash awards, to gallantry awardees as a token of appreciation for their heroism. The cash rewards vary from state to state and often come along with other benefits such as land allotments, pensions, and public recognition.
States Offering Cash Awards to Gallantry Award Winners:
Madhya Pradesh: Madhya Pradesh is one of the states that offers significant cash rewards to gallantry award winners. For example, the state offers a cash award of ₹1 crore for recipients of the Param Vir Chakra and Ashok Chakra. The state also extends several other benefits, such as government jobs, land allocations, and tax exemptions.
Uttar Pradesh: Uttar Pradesh has a long tradition of honoring its gallantry award winners with cash rewards. The state government provides ₹50 lakh for those who receive the Param Vir Chakra and Ashok Chakra, as well as other awards for valor. Additionally, the state gives other perks such as free medical care and priority for jobs within the state.
Rajasthan: Rajasthan offers a cash reward of ₹1 crore for recipients of the Param Vir Chakra and Ashok Chakra. Gallantry award winners from the state are also given government accommodation and are provided with lifetime healthcare benefits.
Haryana: Haryana offers cash awards to gallantry awardees as well. Those who receive the Param Vir Chakra or Ashok Chakra are given ₹50 lakh, along with pension benefits and other government perks, such as free travel in government vehicles and special security for their families.
Gujarat: Gujarat provides financial rewards to its gallantry award winners, including ₹1 crore for recipients of the Param Vir Chakra and Ashok Chakra. Additionally, the state gives awards to those with lower gallantry medals, such as the Vir Chakra and Sena Medal, offering them both cash incentives and other support such as free medical treatment.
Bihar: The state of Bihar offers a cash reward to gallantry award winners, including ₹50 lakh for recipients of the Param Vir Chakra and Ashok Chakra. The state also provides various social security benefits such as government jobs for the families of awardees and other forms of assistance for their well-being.
Punjab: Punjab is known for its pride in its soldiers and heroes. The state offers ₹50 lakh as a cash reward to those who receive the Param Vir Chakra or Ashok Chakra. In addition, the state government also offers government jobs to the families of gallantry awardees and provides them with land and other concessions.
West Bengal: West Bengal offers a cash reward of ₹50 lakh for recipients of the Param Vir Chakra and Ashok Chakra. Additionally, veterans from West Bengal who receive these awards are provided with lifetime allowances, medical benefits, and access to certain state-funded welfare programs.
Tamil Nadu: Tamil Nadu offers cash awards to its gallantry award winners. The state provides ₹50 lakh to Param Vir Chakra and Ashok Chakra recipients. The state also extends other benefits such as land allocation, housing schemes, and government-sponsored healthcare to veterans.
Maharashtra: Maharashtra provides a cash reward for recipients of gallantry awards, including ₹50 lakh for Param Vir Chakra and Ashok Chakra winners. The state also grants monetary rewards for lower medals, such as the Vir Chakra, along with other benefits like pension schemes and priority in government jobs.
Other States Offering Cash and Other Rewards:
- Kerala: Offers cash rewards and special benefits such as land grants, pensions, and free healthcare services for gallantry award winners.
- Assam: Provides financial aid to the families of gallantry award winners, along with jobs and social security benefits.
- Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh: Both offer cash awards to gallantry awardees, along with free medical benefits, housing assistance, and financial assistance for the families of deceased awardees.
- Odisha: Offers substantial cash rewards for gallantry award winners, along with government jobs and educational scholarships for their families.
Additional Benefits Beyond Cash:
Apart from cash awards, several states offer additional benefits to gallantry award winners, including:
- Pension Schemes: Lifetime pensions for recipients of the Param Vir Chakra and Ashok Chakra, as well as lower award categories.
- Government Jobs: Many states offer jobs for the families of deceased or disabled gallantry award winners.
- Land and Housing Schemes: Special land allotments or housing schemes are provided to veterans and their families to ensure their long-term welfare.
- Free Healthcare and Education: Free medical treatment and education opportunities are often offered to veterans and their families.
Example:
A soldier from Uttar Pradesh who receives the Ashok Chakra for his bravery in combat may receive a cash reward of ₹50 lakh from the state government. Additionally, the soldier’s family may be eligible for a government job, free medical care, and priority for any other state-level benefits or housing schemes. The state government may also waive taxes on properties owned by the soldier or his family, making it easier for them to manage their finances.
