Allowance for troops in Siachen, Naxal areas more than doubles

The government has more than doubled risk and hardship allowance for armymen in Siachen and hiked the same for security forces deployed for counter insurgency operations and in Naxal-hit areas.

The increased payments are among the higher allowances the government notified in the Gazette on Thursday, days after the Cabinet approved with minor modifications the recommendations made by the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC).

The increased allowances are part of the bid to make up for some of the hardships and risks security and paramilitary forces face to protect the country from external and internal threats.

Rates of Siachen Allowance paid to soldiers deployed at the highest battlefield in the world have been increased to Rs 30,000 from Rs 14,000 per month, and for officers, it has gone up to Rs 42,500 a month from Rs 21,000 for extreme risks and hardships.

The Counter Insurgency Operations (CI Ops) allowance has gone up to Rs 6,000 16,900 per month, from Rs 3,000-11,700, an official statement said here.

The Command Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) allowance paid to CRPF personnel deployed in Naxal-hit areas has been stepped up to Rs 17,300-25,000, from Rs 8,400-16,800 per month.

Similarly, MARCOS and the Chariot Allowance paid to marine commandos has been increased to Rs 17,300-25,000 per month, from Rs 10,500-15,750. Also, the conditionality of 12 hours has been reduced to four hours for the Sea Going Allowance and rates increased to Rs 6,000 10,500, from Rs 3,000-7,800 per month.

Modified Field, Field and Highly Active Field Area Allowances have also seen an increase.