Defence Ministry Refuses To Review Rs. 10,000 Cap On Educational Expenses Of Martyrs' Children

Not paying heed to the protests, the government has decided to not review the cap of Rs.10,000 for the educational expenditure for children of martyrs or of those disabled in action.

Replying to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre said the educational assistance has been capped as per recommendations of the 7th pay commission and those demanding its review have been communicated about the government’s position on it, as reported by News18.

“Reply has been sent (to them) stating that the combined amount of tuition fee and hostel charges has been capped at Rs 10,000 per month in accordance with the recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission as accepted by the government,” Bhamre said.

Earlier

A scheme was rolled out by in 1972 where the educational expenses in schools, colleges and other educational institutions for children of martyrs and disabled army men were all taken care of by the government.

On July 1, 2017, a new rule was issued where the government decided to cap the expenses at Rs. 10,000. This triggered discontentment among everyone.

The Chiefs of Staff Committee (CoSC), comprising the Army, Navy and the Air Force chiefs, had written to the defence ministry requesting to remove the cap.

Children affected

According to reports, 250 children will be affected by this rule. Other reports claim that out of the 2,679 students during the year 2017-18 (up to December 27, 2017), 193 students have been reported to be drawing more than the capped amount.

“The savings have been reported to be Rs 3.20 crore approximately. The highest amount drawn has been reported to be Rs 18.95 lakh per annum per student,” said Bhamre.