Compensation to personnel on peacekeeping missions increased

The compensation paid to defence personnel killed in peacekeeping missions under the United Nations (UN) flag has been increased to $70,000 from $50,000, the Lok Sabha was informed today.

In a written reply to the House, defence minister AK Antony said, "A sum of $50,000 was being paid for those killed. This has been revised to $70,000 with effect from July 2010."

"The death compensation paid to the families of personnel killed in such peacekeeping missions is over and above the normal package for similar cases in India," Antony said.

He also informed the House that eight Indian Army personnel were killed in various UN peacekeeping missions during the last three years.

Meanwhile, replying to a query on whether the cadets in the Indian Military Academy (IMA) are allowed to keep mobile phones and get Internet facilities in their rooms, Antony said, "The cadets have been permitted to keep mobile phones in their rooms from July 2010."

"In the past, mobile phone signals were not available in IMA campus from any mobile service provider. However, adequate number of fixed lines and WLL connections excluding BSNL were provided in each training company to enable cadets to make and receive calls," he added.

On internet facilities in the rooms of the cadets, the minister said, "They have not been provided with internet access in their rooms. However, internet service has been provided under centralised arrangements at cyber cafes in each company, IT labs and library."