The Union Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh [Images] approved better service conditions for officers and jawans working in the high altitudes like Siachen, Nathula Pass and the Line of Control. These areas need high degree of vigilance, which in turn leads to frustration and tension.

Disclosing this, Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Priyaranjan Dasmunsi said the finance ministry has agreed to release additional Rs 100 crore for this purpose.

"There was discussion for over one hour on the proposals brought forward by the defence minister and the Cabinet, after discussing them, apporoved unanimously," Dasmunsi added.

According to the new guidelines, those serving in field and high altitude areas/counter insurgency and counter terrorism areas will now get additional free railway warrant to visit home twice a year.

All service personel eligible would be able to undertake leave journey to a station of their choice. The allowances for officers will be enhanced to Rs 5,600 per month while the jawans will get Rs 3,734 per month.

"This will not only help in alleviating stress, but also keep the morale of the defence personnel posted in difficult areas high," Dasmunsi said.

A similar proposal to give the same kind of facilities to the paramilitary forces working as the first or second line of defence in difficult states has been handed over to the group of ministers who would make their recommendations to the Union Cabinet shortly.