For the first time in the country, the Telangana state government came forward to set up a state level `Army Welfare Fund’ for which law makers themselves would contribute initial amount of Rs 80 crore from their allowances. Announcing this today at the state assembly, Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao said that he and his cabinet colleagues would contribute Rs 25,000 each per year, while law makers (MPs, MLAs and MLCs) from the state would contribute each Rs 10,000 per year towards setting up a fund of Rs 80 crore.

He said that this fund would be used for the welfare of army personnel and their families. It may be recalled that Secunderabad is one of the largely concentrated army personnel-martyred, retired and serving- place in the country. He also announced massive increase in cash awards to many personnel from the state winning Gallantry Medals and a host of other concessions.

He expressed happy that all the ministers, MPs, MLAs and MLCs from the state have immediately responded to his appeal and decided to contribute to the fund. Moreover, he said that the state government employees also had decided to contribute one day’s wages towards the fund.

Besides the Fund, the Chief Minister said that army personnel from the State winning Param Vir Chakra and Ashok Chakra will get Rs 2.25 crore (Punjab pays the highest at Rs 2 crore), Mahavir Chakra and Kirti Chakra Rs 1.25 crore (Punjab Rs 1 crore).

Observing that Army personnel were discharging their duties of protecting the nation’s geographical integrity and sovereignty even under extreme conditions, Rao said: “It is the bounden duty of society to ensure the welfare of Army personnel and their families, and should consider it as an act of gratitude towards the brave soldiers.”