The government has more than doubled risk and hardship allowance for armymen in Siachen and hiked the same for security forces deployed for counter-insurgency operations and in Naxal-hit areas.

The increased payments are among the higher allowances the government notified in the Gazette yesterday, days after the cabinet approved with minor modifications the recommendations made by the 7th Central Pay Commission.

The increased allowances are part of the bid to make up for some of the hardships and risks security and paramilitary forces face to protect the country from external and internal threats.

Rates of Siachen Allowance paid to soldiers deployed at the highest battlefield in the world have been increased to Rs30,000 from Rs 14,000 per month, and for officers, it has gone up to Rs 42,500 a month from Rs 21,000 for extreme risks and hardships.

The High Altitude Allowance has been raised to Rs 2700-25,000 per month, from Rs 810-16,800.

The Counter Insurgency Operations (CI Ops) allowance has gone up to Rs 6,000-16,900 per month, from Rs 3,000-11,700, an official statement said. -- PTI