Now, status of martyr for paramilitary personnel too

New Delhi: Now, not only armed forces personnel, but personnel from the paramilitary forces who die in the line of duty will be accorded the status of martyr as the Union home ministry has given an in-principle approval for it.

BSF DG D.K. Pathak on Friday said that the government has given an in-principle approval to the move which comes after years of demands raised by associations of retired paramilitary forces among others.

“The 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,” the BSF chief said.

It may be recalled that 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.

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