GoM to look into para-military forces' grievances

NEW DELHI: Centre has set up a Group of Ministers (GoM) to look into grievances of a section of para-military forces over the introduction of a new pension scheme.

The scheme bars families of CRPF, BSF and CISF personnel who have joined in 2004 and killed in action from seeking any special compensation or extra-ordinary pension.

When contacted, Union Home Secretary Madhukar Gupta told PTI "the matter has been under consideration". A GoM has been constituted recently to examine whether the country's three main para-military forces can be exempted from the new pension scheme, he said.

"The para-military forces are the notified armed forces of the Union. How come the government resorts to such a discrimination?" asked a BSF officer, who joined the force in 2004 and therefore is not entitled for any extra-ordinary pension or compensation in the event of his death in action.

"In any case, why should anyone risk his life if the government refuses to compensate his family if he is killed in action?" he questioned.