AIMF welcomes hike in soldiers allowances

The All India Minorities National Front (AIMF) today hailed the Union Cabinets decision to hike the allowances and perks of the soldiers deployed at field high altitude positions.

New Delhi, Aug 2 : The All India Minorities National Front (AIMF) today hailed the Union Cabinet's decision to hike the allowances and perks of the soldiers deployed at field high altitude positions.

"This step would definitely provide immediate relief to armed forces and also alleviate their moral boost,' said S M Asif, national president of AIMF.

Earlier in the day, the Union Cabinet gave its nod to hike monetary allowances and other facilities for armed forces personnel deployed in high altitudes or engaged in counter insurgency operations.

"Now, the personnel serving in field high altitude area, in counter insurgency, counter terrorism specified areas, would be eligible for one additional free railway warrant without any distance restrictions," Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Priyaranjan Dasmunshi told reporters.

Dasmunshi added that officers serving in high altitude area would get allowances at the rate of 5, 600 rupees, while other rank personnel would get 3, 734 rupees per month.

The decision comes in the wake of the reported cases of a large number of suicides or fratricidal tendencies by the stressed out armed forces personnel posted in difficult situations.

The new allowances and benefits meant for the army officials would cost the government exchequer an additional one billion rupees.

ANI