The risk and hardship allowances for armymen posted in Siachen and forces deployed for counter-insurgency operations in Maoist infested areas have been more than doubled. The increased payments are among the higher allowances the government notified in the Gazette on 6 July.
According to an official statement, the allowance paid to soldiers deployed at Siachen – the highest battlefield in the world – has been increased from Rs 14,000 to Rs 30,000 per month and for officers it has been hiked from Rs 21,000 to Rs 42,500 per month. Similarly, the High Altitude Allowance has been raised from Rs 810-16,800 to Rs 2700- 25,000 per month.
The Counter Insurgency Operations Allowance has been hiked from Rs 3,000-11,700 to Rs 6,000-16,900 per month. The Command Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) Allowance, paid to CRPF personnel deployed in Maoist-infested areas, has been increased from Rs 8,400-16,800 to Rs 17,300-25,000 per month.
MARCOS and the Chariot Allowance, paid to marine commandos, has been increased from Rs 10,500-15,750 to Rs 17,300-25,000 per month.
For Sea Going Allowance, the conditionality of 12 hours has been reduced to four hours and the allowance has been increased from Rs 3,000-7,800 to Rs 6,000-10,500 per month.
The allowances for Modified Field, Field and Highly Active Field Area have been hiked from Rs 1,200-12,600 to Rs 6,000-16,900 per month. Flying Allowance has been raised from Rs 10,500-15,750 to Rs 17,300-25,000 per month and this has been extended to the BSF Air Wing also.
Aeronautical Allowance now has been extended to the Indian Coast Guard, Higher Qualification Incentive for Defence Personnel, Test Pilot and Flight Test Engineer Allowance, Ceilings of Deputation (Duty) Allowance for Defence Personnel, Detachment Allowance and Para Jump Instructor Allowance.
