KATHMANDU, Sept 22: During his recent Nepal visit, the Adjutant General of Indian Army Lt Gen Rakesh Sharma on behalf of the Ministry of Defense of India announced a cash grant of Rs 320,000 for each of the 6,832 quake-affected former servicemen.  

According to the Embassy of India in Kathmandu, the general's announcement was a response to the applications filed by the former servicemen at the defense wing of the ministry. A total amount of Rs 218.6 million would be provided to the servicemen as a 'small token of assistance' from the Indian Army.  

At present, there are approximately 126,000 Gurkha pensioners residing in Nepal who draw pension amounting to Rs 40  billion annually. Earlier, similar grants were provided to the affected Nepali Gurkha soldiers serving in the Indian Army. 

During the general's visit, the Indian Army provided war widows and veterans with financial assistance in the form of gifts such as sewing machines, blankets, wheel chairs, walkers and cash incentives, computers and stationery sets, according to a statement issued by the Embassy of India.