Himachal Pradesh: Proposal to exempt gallantry award winners from house tax rejected

January 30, 2026

The state government has rejected a proposal to exempt recipients of gallantry awards from property tax after their outstanding display of bravery on the borders. This puts a complete stop to this scheme of the Sainik Welfare Department.

According to reports, the Sainik Welfare Department Directorate in Hamirpur had sent a proposal to the state government to waive the property tax for soldiers honored with gallantry awards. However, the state government rejected it, citing existing rules. It is worth noting that there are 1226 ex-servicemen and their dependents in Himachal Pradesh who have been awarded gallantry medals.

These include recipients of the Param Vir Chakra, the highest gallantry award, down to Army Medal winners. To honor them, the Directorate of Sainik Welfare Department, Hamirpur, had proposed, through a resolution, that these ex-servicemen and their dependents be exempted from property tax.

Currently, Himachal Pradesh has four Param Vir Chakra recipients, four Ashok Chakra recipients, 10 Maha Vir Chakra recipients, 25 Kirti Chakra recipients, 57 Vir Chakra recipients, 99 Shaurya Chakra recipients, 608 Army Medal and Distinguished Service Medal recipients, 185 Mentioned in Despatches recipients, two George Cross recipients, and two Military Cross recipients.

In addition, Himachal Pradesh also has recipients of the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal, Uttam Yudh Seva Medal, Yudh Seva Medal, Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Vishisht Seva Medal, Indian Distinguished Service Medal, Military Medal, and Navy Medal and Air Force Medal.