Karnataka: Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai declared on Thursday that the Karnataka government has issued directives to increase the cash prize granted to military troops who have received gallantry and non-gallantry awards.

The Chief Minister said he was proud to pay his respects to the martyrs who laid down their lives in defending the country at the War Memorial in the Maratha Light Infantry Regiment Training Center as part of the Swarna Vijay Divas celebrations to mark the Golden Jubilee Celebration of India's victory in the 1971 war against Pakistan.

"The reward for Param Vir Chakra awardees has been raised from Rs 25 lakh to Rs 1.5 crore, similarly for Mahavir Chakra from Rs 12 lakh to Rs 1 crore, Ashok Chakra from Rs 25 lakh to Rs 1.5 crore, Keerthi Chakra from Rs 12 lakh to Rs 1 crore, Veera Chakra from Rs 8 lakh to Rs 50 lakh, Shaurya Chakra from Rs 8 lakh to Rs 50 lakh,.

The award has been nearly fivefold increased. As a result, their long-standing need has been met. "We are proud to honour our armed forces," Bommai remarked.

Apart from defending the country against external aggression, the defence forces also play a critical role in ensuring internal security. They've also made significant contributions to the country's technological growth, he said.

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