Paramilitary jawans likely to get I-T relief on ration money

New Delhi: Paramilitary personnel from Central security forces may get exemption on ration money as the finance ministry has assured the home ministry that it would consider this issue.

Once implemented the move is expected to benefit more than nine lakh personnel of paramilitary forces from CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP and SSB.

In a recent communication to the home ministry, the finance ministry has assured that this long pending demand of forces would be considered during the coming budgetary exercise.

The home ministry had earlier raised the issue of tax exemption on ration money allowance given to paramilitary personnel on the basis of parity with other uniformed forces and Pay Commission recommendations.

Security personnel from the defence forces, Assam Rifles and NSG are provided free ration, while personnel of CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP and SSB are granted Ration Money Allowance (RMA). Paramilitary personnel up to non-gazetted ranks such as constable, head constable, assistant sub inspector, sub-inspector and inspector are entitled to an RMA of Rs 3,000 per month.

Earlier, the 7th Central Pay Commission in its report had recommended that looking into the unique service conditions of paramilitary personnel and since RMA is granted in lieu of free ration, it should be exempt from income-tax.

Apart from the RMA, the home ministry in its communication to the finance ministry had also raised the issue of exemption of risk and hardship allowance of paramilitary personnel from income-tax, the official said. The finance ministry has responded favourably to both the demands which would be examined in the next budget exercise.

Quantum of risk and hardship allowance varies from Rs 6,000 to Rs 25,000 per month per head, depending on various factors.