In a significant move to honour the service of India’s armed forces, Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan has announced a property tax exemption for homes owned by defence personnel within gram panchayat limits across the state. The exemption will now apply to all serving personnel, regardless of deployment location, expanding the earlier benefit limited to retired soldiers or those posted at border areas.
Taking to social media platform X on Sunday night, Kalyan stated, “This decision honours the courage of Army, Navy, Air Force, CRPF, and paramilitary forces. Their service to the nation is priceless.”
Andhra Pradesh Stands with Our Soldiers
— Pawan Kalyan (@PawanKalyan) May 11, 2025
As a mark of deep respect and gratitude to our brave soldiers, the Andhra Pradesh NDA government Under the leadership of Hon'ble CM Sri @ncbn garu, PanchayatRaj Department has taken a significant decision, to grant property tax exemption…
The policy shift, recommended by the Director of Sainik Welfare, reflects the NDA government’s commitment, under Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, to recognizing the sacrifices made by uniformed personnel and their families. Kalyan emphasized that the decision was rooted in both emotional understanding and practical support for the defence community, aiming to reduce their financial burden and acknowledge their role in preserving national security.
In a deeply emotional gesture, the Deputy CM also visited the home of fallen soldier Murali Naik, who was martyred during cross-border firing under Operation Sindoor in Jammu and Kashmir. Kalyan met with Naik’s family in Gorantla village of Sri Sathya Sai district and paid tribute to his sacrifice, describing his journey from a tribal hamlet to a national hero as “a testament to patriotism and dedication.”
The Andhra Pradesh government has announced an ex gratia of ₹50 lakh, along with the allotment of five acres of agricultural land and a 300-square-yard house site to the family. In addition, Kalyan has personally contributed ₹25 lakh to the bereaved household.
The twin gestures of financial support and policy reform underscore Andhra Pradesh’s broader effort to stand by its defence personnel—not just in rhetoric, but through concrete, respectful action.
