Sat Nov 30 17:19:14 UTC 2024: ## Widow of Gallantry Award-Winning Air Force Officer Receives Over ₹1 Crore in Back Pension

**Chennai, November 30, 2024** – Forty-three years after the tragic death of Flight Lieutenant Chandrasekhar S.I., his widow received over ₹1 crore in back pension arrears. The payment, credited on Saturday, concludes a years-long struggle for the 70-year-old woman, who was unaware of the complexities of accessing her entitlements.

Chandrasekhar, a Kirti Chakra awardee, was killed in 1981 while bravely thwarting a train robbery. His death left his family facing financial hardship due to delays in receiving his pension and allowances. Further complications arose when the family relocated to Australia in 1984 and the woman remarried in 2002, resulting in the cessation of benefits. Discrepancies in documentation also hampered the process.

Col. Vembu Shankar, founder of Project Sambandh, a non-profit organization assisting families of deceased armed forces personnel, played a crucial role in resolving the matter. Project Sambandh rectified the documentation errors and navigated the complex bureaucratic process, involving over 10 agencies, to secure the overdue payments. The Allahabad Pensions Department processed the arrears in September 2024 under updated regulations.

For the widow, the financial settlement is secondary to the renewed connection with the Indian Air Force, a bond deeply significant to her after decades of uncertainty. Col. Shankar highlighted the emotional toll on families affected by such delays and emphasized Project Sambandh’s mission to bridge the communication gap between the armed forces and families of personnel who die under non-operational circumstances. He hopes the organization will continue to assist others facing similar challenges.

Read More