Sir,
I am writing this letter to clarify the factual position of the platinum grant for information of your readers specially belonging to the armed forces which is the subject of letter written by Ex Sub Vakil Singh of Sawan Chak, Kathua published in this paper on 5 Mar 2015. This platinum grant is given at the age of 75 years and is of Rs 50,000 for officers only. He has written that this is new scheme announced by the Ceremonial and Welfare Directorate (Army) for officers while ignoring the personnel below officers rank. This is incorrect.
This scheme is not new. It is in vogue for very long time. It was earlier applicable at the age of 80 years which has been reduced to 75 years some time back.
The major point is that officers contribute benevolent fund while in service and this payment is made out of that. However, the amount of grant was fixed long back and there is a case to increase this amount as its material value has reduced to Rs 5 to 10,000 only as per rupee value as on date. As for his request to Ministry of Defence to consider grant of reasonable relief to the other ranks is concerned, we too subscribe that it should be considered favourably.
Large number of officers are not aware of the scheme as such it was advertised to give it wide publicity.
Yours etc…
K S Jamwal (Retd) Col
Ex Director
J&K Rajya Sainik Board, Jammu
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