In a significant gesture of support, Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Monday handed over financial assistance of ₹1.10 crore each to the families of Palamu district police constables Sunil Kumar Ram and Santan Kumar Mehta, who were martyred in the line of duty.
The families of the martyred constables met Chief Minister Hemant Soren at his official residence on Kanke Road, Ranchi. During the meeting, the Chief Minister handed over cheques worth ₹1.10 crore each under the State Bank of India Police Salary Package as ex-gratia financial assistance.
The amount has been credited directly to the bank accounts of the families of both constables. Finance Minister Radha Krishna Kishore was present during the ceremony.
Chief Minister Hemant Soren interacted with the families with empathy and enquired about their situation. He expressed deep condolences and assured them of the government’s full support. “Jharkhand will always remain indebted to its martyrs,” he said.
He praised the supreme sacrifice of Sunil Kumar Ram and Santan Kumar Mehta, emphasizing that their contribution in protecting the people of the state will never be forgotten.
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He also acknowledged the role of State Bank of India officials in coordinating with the state government to provide the compensation swiftly. “Use this amount to give your children a positive direction and build their future,” the Chief Minister told the families.
Free Quality Education and Better Healthcare for Police Families
Chief Minister Soren announced that the state government will build a special residential school in Ranchi to provide free and quality education to the children of martyred police personnel. Four acres of land have already been identified at Jharkhand Jaguar for the school, which will be run on the lines of private institutions and managed by the police department.
He further added that the government is working on a plan to establish a dedicated hospital for police personnel and their families to ensure better healthcare facilities. “We are committed to the well-being of our police families,” he said.
“Face Challenges with Courage and Strength”
The Chief Minister encouraged the families to remain strong and move forward with courage and patience. “Do not hesitate to approach senior police officials whenever you need help. The government stands firmly with you,” he said.
He directed the officials present to ensure that the families receive all benefits due to them without delay. Officials informed him that both wives of the martyred constables are graduates and will be offered clerk positions as per police department rules.
The financial assistance of ₹1.10 crore each has been provided under the agreement between the Jharkhand government and the State Bank of India. Including the compensation fixed for personnel killed in extremist incidents, the total estimated amount to be provided to both families is around ₹2 crore.
The Chief Minister also instructed officials to link the families with pension and other post-retirement benefits. Officials confirmed that all necessary procedures for pension and related benefits have already been completed.
Senior Officials Present
The event was attended by Finance Minister Radha Krishna Kishore, DGP Anurag Gupta, Palamu SP Rishma Ramesan, Deputy General Manager of SBI Ranchi Zone Manoj Kumar, AGM Reena Kumari, Chief Manager of SBI Vikas Kumar Pandey and other senior officials.
