In-principle nod for martyr status for paramilitary personnel

NEW DELHI: Personnel from the paramilitary forces who die in the line of duty will be accorded the status of martyr, as the Home Ministry has given an in-principle approval for it.

" Ministry of Home Affairs has in-principle agreed on it. Only some formalities on paper are left, like how to give certificates and all. It will also be resolved soon," Border Security Force ( BSF) Director General DK Pathak told reporters here today.

Associations of retired paramilitary forces and those serving them have been seeking martyr status for personnel, who sacrificed their lives for the country.

The 7th Central Pay Commission has also batted for granting martyr status to personnel of central paramilitary forces, on the lines of armed forces.

"The Commission is of the view that in case of death in the line of duty, the force personnel of Central Armed Police Forces should be accorded martyr status, at par with the defence forces personnel," the recommendations submitted to the government by the Commission on November 19, said.

Pathak said he will submit views on the pay panel findings soon. "Our comments have been sought on Pay Commission's report and we will give it to the government," he said.

Over 10 lakh personnel are serving in seven paramilitary forces -- Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), Assam Rifles, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), National Security Guards (NSG) and BSF.