The Inspector General of Police (IGP) has officially increased the monthly education stipend for children of police personnel diagnosed with autism. The payment, previously capped at a lower threshold, now stands at Rs 20,000 per child.
The move aims to offset the rising costs of specialized therapy and educational support, which often strain the household budgets of lower-ranked officers. For many families, the previous stipend failed to cover even the basic monthly fees for behavioral therapy or private tutoring.
“We recognize the unique challenges these families face every day,” a senior police official said. “This adjustment isn’t just about money; it’s about ensuring these children have consistent access to the care they need.”
The policy change applies to all ranks within the provincial force. To qualify, officers must provide formal medical documentation confirming the diagnosis. The welfare department has already begun processing applications, with the new rate set to reflect in the upcoming payroll cycle.
Critics and welfare advocates have long argued that the fixed stipends provided by public departments were outdated, failing to account for the specialized nature of autism-related interventions. While the increase is a significant step, some union representatives note that the broader issue—the scarcity of government-run specialized schools—remains a hurdle.
Families seeking to claim the revised stipend can submit their requests through their respective district welfare offices starting Monday. The department confirmed that there is no cap on the number of children per family who can receive the support, provided each child has a verified clinical diagnosis.
For a constable earning a modest salary, the extra funds mean the difference between intermittent therapy and a sustained, professional development plan for their child. The department is expected to monitor the impact of this increase over the next fiscal year to determine if further adjustments are required.
