A day after facing criticism from various quarters for being indifferent in paying homage to Colonel Santosh Babu who died in a clash with Chinese troops in the Galwan valley in Ladakh, Telangana CM KCR made an unusual gesture to the family of the departed brave soldier from Telangana.
While participating in the all-party meeting convened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday evening, the chief minister announced ex gratia of Rs 5 crore to the family of Colonel Santosh Babu in honour of his bravery.
He also announced that the State government would provide a residential plot to the family and Group-1 job to the Army officer’s wife Santoshi.
KCR said he would soon visit the family members of Colonel Santosh Babu and present the cheque personally on behalf of the state government.
What is more, KCR also announced Rs 10 lakh each to the 19 soldiers who were martyred in the skirmishes with the Chinese troops. The amount will be handed over to the bereaved families through the Union Defence Ministry.
The chief minister said the state government would extend complete support to the family of Colonel Santosh Babu in future. He felt that the entire nation should stand united and extend support to the families of the soldiers who were guarding the borders.
“We must display the Symbol of Unity and send a strong signal that the nation is with them and their families. Our actions will instill confidence among the armed forces personnel and their families,” he said.
The Chief Minister said while the Central government will provide necessary support to the families of the martyrs, the states too should take responsibility and join hands to extend support.
He emphasised the need for the States to provide monetary and other support to the bereaved families by reducing their expenditures even during the COVID-19 crisis.