Clarification on Reimbursement of Tuition Fee and Hostel Charges provided to the children of Armed Forces Officers / PBORs missing / disabled / killed in action

Clarification on Reimbursement of Tuition Fee and Hostel Charges provided to the children of Armed Forces Officers / PBORs missing / disabled / killed in action

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO:5354
ANSWERED ON: 28.03.2018

Reimbursement of Tuition Fee

RAJAN BABURAO VICHARE
Will the Minister of

DEFENCE be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Government has curtailed the reimbursement of tuition and hostel fees provided to the children of working and retired armed forces personnel including martyred, disabled and missing soldiers / officers;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor along with the likely saving in Government exchequer as a result thereof;

(c) whether servicemen and ex-servicemen are distressed by the Government decision;

(d) if so, whether the Government proposes to reconsider the decision; and

(e) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE (DR. SUBHASH BHAMRE)
IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

(a) Yes, Madam.

(b) The combined amount of tuition fee and hostel charges provided to the children of Armed Forces Officers / PBORs missing / disabled / killed in action has been capped at Rs.10,000 p.m. in accordance with the recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission (7th CPC) as accepted by the Government.

Keeping in view that both the number of students and the tuition / hostel fee are open-ended, no fixed / uniform amount of savings can be indicated. Out of total reported 2679 students during the year 2017-18, 193 students have been reported to be drawing more than the capped amount of tuition / hostel fee and savings have been reported to be Rs.3.20 crore (Approximately).

(c) Representations have been received for removal of cap of Rs.10,000 p.m. on combined amount of tuition fee / hostel charges from some of the affected beneficiaries.

(d) & (e): The Government has decided to continue the educational concession without the cap of Rs.10,000 p.m.

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Source: Lok Sabha