Centre, state initiate process for relief to Col Bikkumalla Santosh’s family

HYDERABAD: The family of Colonel Bikkumalla Santosh Babu is entitled to benefits from both the state and central governments for the supreme sacrifice he made for the country.
Director of Sainik Welfare Col P Ramesh Kumar has already indicated to the family what the benefits would be and the zilla sainik welfare officer of Nalgonda has paid a visit to their house in Suryapet as per the procedures involved.
“We have informed the family that — in due course — we would be assisting them in getting all the benefits the family can avail and is entitled to. I have also personally conveyed my condolences to the wife of martyr Santosh Babu,” Col Ramesh said.
As per the norms, children of martyrs will be given preference in allocation of seats for higher education in the quota allotted for the armed forces.
There are a number of measures which are coordinated by the sainik welfare department unit concerned with the Army headquarters and Kendriya Sainik Board. Col Babu was killed in a clash with Chinese soldiers in Galwan Valley on June 15. The last rites were performed in Suryapet on June 18.
The relief provided by the central government to the kin of soldiers who died defending the country includes an ex gratia of Rs 35 lakh. Also, Directorate of Indian Army Veterans gives an ex gratia of Rs 8 lakh.
A liberalised family pension, equivalent to the pay drawn by the soldier if he were in service till the period of his entitled service is provided. Also provided are reimbursement of tuition fee, books, uniforms, for education of children, computer grant for wards and widows and grants for wedding of daughters.