Keeping in mind the welfare of the children of martyrs and those disabled in action, the government has given official approval for setting up of two boarding schools for them.
This step came after the government capped at Rs 10,000 per month the educational assistance it gives to children of martyrs or those disabled in action. The cap was put in action as some people were misusing the scheme.
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The Scheme:
Under the scheme, rolled out in 1972, tuition fee of children of martyrs or those disabled in action were completely waived in schools, colleges and other professional educational institutions.
Misusing the Capped Amout:
The combined amount of tuition fee and hostel charges has been capped at Rs 10,000 per month in accordance with the recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission as accepted by the Government of India.
Out of a total 2,679 students during the year 2017-18 (up to December 27, 2017), 193 students have been reported to be drawing more than the capped amount.
Withdrawing of Educational Assistance:
On July 1, 2017, the government had issued an order capping the amount at Rs 10,000 per month, triggering discontentment among all the three services. Somehow, this scheme was misused by some and the purpose of providing quality education to children of personnel who lost their lives for the nation, was not fulfilled.
Once the schools become operational, the government may be conveyed that it can withdraw the educational assistance scheme. Gen. Rawat said the two educational institutions will be developed on the lines of Delhi’s Sanskriti School. One school will be built in Pathankot and the other will come up either in Bhopal or Secunderabad.
Children Impacted:
The Chiefs of Staff Committee sent a written letter to the Ministry of Defence requesting to remove the cap. However, the government later refused to modify the cap. When the decision was taken by the government, nearly 3,400 children from the armed forces were impacted.
Still Time for Schools to Become Operational:
It may take 3 to 4 years for the schools to become operational. Till then the Army will take care of the financial need of children of martyrs or those disabled in action, if government does not provide them funds.
After graduating from the two boarding schools, the students can study in the Army-run colleges.
Conclusion:
Two boarding schools for children of martyrs and those disabled in action will come up at Pathankot and either Secunderabad or Bhopal. This action was taken keeping in mind the fact that the financial incentives being provided for the educational welfare of these children were being misused.
Your Views?
The soldiers of our armed forces do not think twice before going beyond the call of duty and sacrificing their lives. Should the government think to cap the funds that allow a secure future to the children of these martyrs? What are your views on this?
