SRINAGAR: The Central Government on Wednesday informed the Rajya Sabha that it has introduced and strengthened a series of welfare measures for Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) personnel and their families over the past three years, with several benefits specifically aimed at personnel serving in Jammu and Kashmir.
Replying to an unstarred question by MP Neeraj Shekhar, Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai said the initiatives cover healthcare, financial assistance, housing, education, rehabilitation and post-retirement welfare for CAPF personnel and their dependents.
For personnel deployed in the Kashmir Valley, the government said they are entitled to Risk and Hardship Allowance, recognising the challenging operational conditions in the region. Retired personnel and their spouses are also eligible for medical facilities through CGHS and CAPF hospitals or a monthly medical allowance.
In a move of particular relevance to Jammu and Kashmir, the Centre said eligible CAPF and Assam Rifles personnel posted in the Valley are provided air courier (air travel) facilities. Additionally, personnel posted in Kashmir Valley who keep their families at their previous place of posting are entitled to an additional House Rent Allowance (HRA) at the rate applicable to ‘Y’ class cities, provided they do not retain government accommodation. School bus services have also been arranged for children of CAPF and Assam Rifles personnel serving in Jammu and Kashmir.
Among the nationwide initiatives highlighted by the government are the Ayushman CAPF scheme for cashless healthcare, ex-gratia payments of Rs 25 lakh to Rs 35 lakh in cases of death during duty, accidental insurance coverage, the Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme for wards of CAPF personnel, reservation of MBBS and BDS seats, the CAPF e-Awas portal for housing allotments and the Welfare and Rehabilitation Board for retired personnel.
The government also said families of personnel killed in action receive benefits under the Bharat Ke Veer initiative, while those who suffer operational casualties are issued Operational Casualty Certificates entitling their next of kin to travel concessions and allotment of oil product agencies. Compassionate appointments and honorary ranks for personnel from constable to sub-inspector have also been introduced as part of the welfare package.
The Home Ministry said the measures are intended to improve the welfare, morale and financial security of CAPF personnel and their families, particularly those serving in difficult operational areas such as Jammu and Kashmir.
