Maharashtra: State to now compensate families of martyred soldiers with Rs 25 lakh

Families of martyred soldiers will now receive a compensation of Rs 25 lakh from the state government, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced here on Wednesday.

He was speaking at an event organised to honour martyred soldiers and those who have received bravery awards.

Union minister Nitin Gadkari, Assam Governor Jagdish Mukhi were present besides Defence officials.

"Sacrifice of soldiers cannot be measured in terms of money. Families of martyred soldiers used to initially receive Rs 8.5 lakh as compensation which was later increased to Rs 20 lakh after our government came to power. However, the state government will now provide Rs 25 lakh as compensation," Fadnavis said.

The chief minister said the country never worshipped prestige or power but valour and sacrifice. "Soldiers have both these qualities in them," he said.

"Nationalism is not just shown on January 26 and August 15. Not everybody can go and fight a war at the border, but what we can do is take an inspiration from our martyred soldiers and fight the wrong in our lives, which will be the biggest tribute to martyrs who die for us," he said.