Defence News India: In a major relief to, the Modi government has approved a four time increase in monetary assistance to be given to the next of kin to the battle casualties. Defence minister Rajnath Singh gave in-principle approval for enhancing monetary assistance to the next of kin of all categories of battle casualty from Rs two lakh to Rs eight lakh. The amount will be granted under Army Battle Casualties Welfare Fund (ABCWF), said the ministry of defence.
Earlier, there was a provision for giving financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh to those case of battle casualties which were fatal, 60 per cent and above disability. However, the amount was Rs 1 lakh in case the disability was less than 60 per cent.
It was in addition to liberalised family pension, financial assistance from Army Group Insurance, Army Welfare Fund and ex-gratia amount.
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Army Battle Casualty Fund (ABCWF)
The Army Battle Casualty Fund (ABCWF) was set up under the department of ex-Servicemen welfare (ESW) of ministry of defence after a large number of people offered to provide monetary assistance to the families of battle casualties. The fund was created following an incident in February 2016 at Siachen, when 10 soldiers were buried in an avalanche.
The ABCWF was instituted in July 2017 and was implemented retrospectively with effect from April 2016.
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How to donate to Army Battle Casualty Fund (ABCWF)
The fund was created under the Charitable Endowments Act, 1890. A Bank Account bearing Account No. 90552010165915 was opened in the South Block Branch of Syndicate Bank, New Delhi for public to deposit money.
This fund is in addition to the various existing schemes for the welfare of the next of kins and children of battle casualties in form of additional ex gratia.
Fund Name: Army Welfare Fund Battle Casualties.
Branch Name: Syndicate Bank.
Branch: South Block, Defence Head Quarters,
Branch Code: 9055
IFSC Code: SYNB0009055.
Account No: 90552010165915.
Alternatively, donors can call: Deputy Director General (Welfare) Ceremonial & Welfare Directorate at +91-11-23018112
In addition to the above assistance, the already existing monetary grant includes ex-gratia (central) for various ranks ranging from Rs 25 lakh to Rs 45 lakh and Army Group Insurance ranging from Rs 40 lakh to Rs 75 lakh.
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Rs 60,000 under Death Link Insurance Scheme, DLICS (JCO/ORs); Rs 15,000 under Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA); full reimbursement of tuition fees for wards; up to 70% concession on railway tickets and marriage grant for daughters, widow remarriage and orphan son’s marriage of battle casualties (fatal) and physical casualties (fatal) are also among the immediate & long-term assistance provided by the Ministry.
Defence minister Rajnath Singh had launched ‘Bharat ke Veer fund’ when he was Union home minister to assist families of paramilitary personnel killed or injured in action.
The fund became hugely popular within a short span of time and received widespread support from all quarters.
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