New Delhi, Dec 5: Navy chief Admiral Sunil Lanba has sought a review of the government’s decision to put a cap of Rs 10,000 per month on educational assistance it gives to children of martyrs or of those disabled in action.
In his capacity as Chairman of Chiefs of Staff Committee (CoSC), Admiral Lanba has written to the defence ministry requesting it to remove the cap which was incorporated in July following recommendations of the seventh pay commission, government sources said.
In Ahmedabad, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman told reporters that the government was always supportive of the armed forces and indicated that it may review the issue.
Under the scheme, rolled out in 1972, tuition fee of children of martyrs or those disabled in action were completely waived in schools, colleges and other professional educational institutions.
However, July 1, the government had issued an order capping the amount to Rs 10,000 per month, triggering discontentment among all the three services.
As per estimates, around 3,400 children of armed forces personnel were impacted following the decision.
The original scheme had entailed waiver of “other fees” as well along with tuition fee. However, the provision of “other fees” was removed in 2010.
Admiral Lanba is the Chairman of the powerful Chiefs of Staff Committee (CoSC) which comprises the Army, Navy and IAF chiefs. (PTI)
