As a mark of respect to posthumous defence gallantry awardees, their mother or father can accompany the next of kin of the deceased while receiving the honour from the President.
The government's new initiative was introduced during the Defence Investiture Ceremony here today which was held at Durbar Hall pof the Rashtrapati Bhawan.
Out of 14 gallantry awards presented at the ceremony, two Kirti Chakra and four Shaurya Chakra were conferred posthumously.
Accordingly, at the ceremony, Monalisha Borah Koch, wife of constable Gautam Koch, Assam Armed Branch, was accompanied by his mother Putuli Koch and Nisha Devi, wife of Naib Subedar Rajesh Kumar of the Rashtriya Rifles, was accompanied by his father Rup Chand to receive the Kirti Chakra award from President Pranab Mukherjee.
Similarly, for the Shaurya Chakra, Timu Devi, wife of Sepoy Dharma Ram of Rashtriya Rifles, was accompanied by his mother Amru Devi.
As per the dispensation, till the last Investiture Ceremony, the next of kin of the posthumous awardee alone received the award from the President.
A total of 42 distinguished service awards namely 13 Param Vishisht Seva Medals, two Uttam Yuddh Seva Medals, two Bar to Ati Vishisht Seva Medals and 25 Ati Vishisht Seva Medals, which were announced on Republic Day were also given to officers of the three services during the function.
