Centre to reimburse compensation paid by J&K to border victims

The Centre will reimburse the Jammu and Kashmir government for compensation it pays to victims for damages and losses caused  due to shelling by Pakistan in villages close to the border in the state.

The ex gratia relief in case of death is Rs 5 lakh, whereas Rs 75,000 would be provided in case of permanent disability and Rs 5,000 for minor injuries.

Similarly, in case of house damage, the limit has been fixed at Rs 1 lakh or 50% of assessment of the actual damage.

Union Minister of State Jitendra Singh said the state government should expedite payment and seek prompt reimbursement of funds from the Centre.

"This will curb the delay and resolve the demand of the state government about non-payment or inadequate payment of compensation to the border victims," he said.

Pakistan has been continuously violating the ceasefire since January 1, targeting forward Indian posts and civilian areas along the International Border and Line of Control.

At least 10,000 civilians living close to the border were relocated to safer places.

The order issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs said the fund paid as compensation by the J&K government will be reimbursed from the Centre through security related expenditure.  

It also advised the state government that item-wise claims and compensations paid to the victims of cross-border firing may be submitted along with details, from time to time, in order to seek timely reimbursement from the Centre.