Rs 13.5 lakhs being paid ex-gratia to J

Srinagar, Dec 31 (UNI) An amount of Rs 13.5 lakh is being paid as ex-gratia relief to the family members of a Jammu and Kashmir police personnel who laid down his life, fighting militants and criminals, in the state.

In his message on the eve of New Year, Director General (DG) of state police Kuldeep Khuda said, ''we salute the police personnel who made supreme sacrifices for defending the unity and integrity of the country.'' He said a number of welfare measures have been taken by the department for the families of deceased police personnel.

Mr Khuda said immediately after the death of a police personnel, an amount of Rs six lakhs is being paid from the police welfare fund.

Every police personnel is contributing Rs 220 to Rs 350 towards the fund from his monthly salary. Besides, profit earned from police- public mela is also deposited in the fund, he said.

He said besides this, an amount of Rs five lakhs is being paid as ex-gratia and Rs 2.5 lakhs as insurance to the family of deceased personnel.

The children of the deceased police personnel are being given free education in police schools and medical facilities in police hospitals.

Mr Khuda said immediately after assuming charge as DG police, he directed in-charge of all police stations in the state to visit the family members of deceased police personnel and look after them.

He said under SRO-43, 414 children of police personnel, who lost their lives in the state since 1990, were given employment in the police department. Of these 77 were appointed as constables, 152 followers, one inspector, one sub-inspector and 15 in civil services.

Mr Khuda said there is a proposal before the government to increase the ration money from present Rs 450.

UNI