Rs 51,000 aid for kin of deceased freedom fighters

The state government has issued fresh directions to ensure smooth implementation of the financial assistance scheme for the marriage of daughters, dependent sisters, and grand-daughters of state freedom fighters and INA personnel.

According to a letter by Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi, the government has clarified that in the event of the death of a state freedom fighter/INA personnel or their widow, the son or daughter-in-law of the deceased will also be eligible to apply for financial assistance of Rs 51,000 for the marriage of his or her daughter(s), who are the grand-daughters of the freedom fighter.

The decision aims to remove procedural ambiguity and address the difficulties faced by families in availing this assistance due to unclear provisions in earlier instructions.

Now, claims for financial assistance must be submitted within six months of the date of marriage and not later than 12 months, except in special cases with valid reasons, through the DC concerned. After verification, the DC will forward the claim to the Chief Secretary for sanction. The Administrator General and Official Trustee-cum-Treasurer, Charitable Endowments, will make the payment arrangements.

It has also been made mandatory that the financial assistance be disbursed only through Aadhaar-linked bank accounts to ensure transparency and direct benefit transfer.