India, March 4 -- Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced on Tuesday that financial assistance exceeding Rs 17 crore has been provided to ex-servicemen, gallantry award winners, and the families of martyrs in the state during the current financial year.

A sum of over Rs 17 crore has been disbursed to 2,263 beneficiaries under various welfare schemes, and 968 elderly pensioners have received Rs 6.12 crore to ensure financial security and dignified living, the chief minister said in a statement issued here.

Additionally, 1,084 gallantry award winners have received honorariums amounting to Rs 3 crore in recognition of their exemplary courage and service to the nation.

He further shared that Rs 7.62 crore has been extended to 57 de...