Punjab doubles allowance of Blue Star deserters

Amritsar: The Punjab government has decided to double the monthly allowance of Sikh soldiers who had deserted the Army following Operation Blue Star. The cabinet approved the proposal to enhance the monthly maintenance grant of “Operation Blue Star-affected soldiers”, referred to as “dharmi faujis”, from £30 to 60. It cleared increase in allowance for their widows and dependants from £50 to 100. Also approved were proposals for £100 a year as fee for their children and grandchildren in classes up to Class 12 and £200 a year for students pursuing MBBS/BDS. Fees already paid will be reimbursed by District Sainik Welfare Officers after verification.