NEW DELHI: In a bid to resolve the Punjab imbroglio, the Indian government Sunday announced substantial relief and assistance for victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in the capital, following the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
At a meeting between Prime Minister VP Singh home minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed and the minister of state for home, Subodh Kant Sahay, on Saturday, it was also decided to increase the pension for widows of those killed to Rs 1000 per month till one son or daughter of theirs becomes an earning member.
The Home Ministry issued the orders Sunday to the Delhi administration.
The meeting was held after Sikh Akali party leader, Parkash Singh Badal, Kirpal Singh (MP) and Rajdev Singh (MP) made representations regarding the enhancement of relief and assistance for the November riot victims.
Briefing newsmen, an official spokesman said the government had announced an increase in the assistance to widows from Rs 400 per month to Rs 1000 per month from March 15 this year. In addition to that, the government has decided to make payments of Rs 1000 per month to the widows till one employable son or daughter of theirs becomes an earning member.
The government has also decided to increase the compensation for damage to property and to institute a scholarship for all college and school going children of riot victims.
Article extracted from this publication >> June 29, 1990
