World | India
Monetary reward disparities may 'demoralise' troops
Resentment may be silently brewing in the ranks of army personnel over disparity in bravery-related monetary rewards.
- By Ajay Jha, Chief Correspondent
- Published: 00:44 February 3, 2008
New Delhi: Resentment may be silently brewing in the ranks of army personnel over disparity in bravery-related monetary rewards.
For similar acts of bravery, the disparity is as much as Rs2.47 million (Dh224,545).
"Yes, we are aware of it, but can do little since the monetary awards are given by state governments," sources in the Defence Ministry said, adding that the ministry has already appealed to state governments to resolve the issue at their own levels.
According to army insiders, the huge disparity has a demoralising impact at ground level, especially among junior ranks.
Although killings on the border have stopped following strict observation of a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, a large number of army personnel are still killed in encounters with militants in states like Jammu and Kashmir, Assam and other north-eastern states.
The defence ministry on its own announces gallantry awards in several categories, the highest being Paramvir Chakra, followed by Mahavir and Vir Chakra.
While the living get medals that decorate their uniforms and out of turn promotion, the monetary awards are given by respective state governments.
The defence ministry has fixed a minimum amount that goes with these awards. However, over the years some states have increased the quantum of monetary awards while others are still giving the minimum prescribed, leading to the huge disparity.
Same category
For example, those awarded Paramvir Chakra or Ashok Chakra (the peace time award equivalent to Paramvir Chakra) get Rs2.5 million in states like Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. However, it is Rs200,000 in Uttar Pradesh and Rs145,000 in states like Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, Bihar and Karnataka. Gujarat, which does not have many personnel in the defence forces, gives just Rs22,500 for the same category of bravery award.
What is worrying the top brass of the defence forces is that armed forces fight for the country and such disparities and the resultant demoralisation could have a drastic impact in the long run.
Those coming from states that do not reward their brave sons might well show reluctance in performing beyond the call of their duty.
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