Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy announced a ten-fold increase in cash rewards for the gallantry award winners of the state.
“Cash award for winners of the Param Vir Chakra and Ashok Chakra are presently getting Rs 10 lakhs. It will be increased to Rs 1 crore. For Maha Vir Chakra and Kirti Chakra awardees, the cash award will be increased from Rs 8 lakhs to Rs 80 lakhs. For armed personnel winning the Vir Chakra and Shaurya Chakra, the cash award will be increased from Rs 6 lakhs to Rs 60 lakhs. The kin of all armed personnel from the state who lay down their lives in the line of duty will be given Rs 50 lakhs,” he said.
The Chief Minister made the announcement during his speech after receiving the Flame of Victory to commemorate the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of Swarnim Vijay Varsh, marking the iconic India-Pakistan War of 1971.
Earlier, he visited the residence of Major General (Retd) C Venugopal, war veteran, and felicitated him for his contributions in the 1971 war. He also met the family members of the war hero, who were decorated with a bar of medals.
Later, at the Police Parade Grounds, the Chief Minister felicitated J. Chinatalli, widow of Naik J. Sanyasi.
The Chief Minister also recalled the events that led to the 1971 war and the creation of Bangladesh. He praised the armed forces for liberating what was then called East Pakistan. The war which had lasted just 13 days, ending on December 16, had led to the new nation of Bangladesh and democracy was upheld.
Jagan saluted the armed forces for guarding the borders even in adverse weather conditions to ensure peace in the country.
