Govt likely to increase allowances of paramilitary

The government is likely to increase "substantially" the allowances given to personnel of the paramilitary force in an effort to bring the amount "on par" with that of the armed forces.  

"We will have allowances of our men raised substantially in the next 60 days. We are trying to bring it on par with the personnel of the armed forces," newly appointed Director General of BSF M L Kumawat today said.    

 Kumawat, who is also holding the post of Special Secretary (Internal Security), said since the paramilitary forces were not happy with the recommendations of the 6th Pay Commission, the Home Ministry and the Finance Ministry were working to raise the allowances.    

"Our men do similar work like any other army person. They guard the border to fight terrorism and Naxalism. They need to be given allowances on par with the army," he said.     

Interestingly, the armed forces have shown their resentment over the recommendations of the pay commission and the government has now appointed a special committee headed by External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee to look into their grievances.