New Delhi: The government has ordered railway concessions in the form of complimentary free railway travel for life for gallantry medal recipients, defense officials said on Thursday.He said each recipient could be accompanied by one person, who would also travel for free.For posthumous recipients, their parents or spouse are eligible to avail the benefits of this scheme. Spouses can benefit from the scheme only till they are married, whereas in case of parents, the benefit is available only if the recipient was unmarried at the time of their death.“Government of India has issued an order granting railway concession in the form of complimentary lifetime free travel in First Class/2 AC/AC Chair Car with one companion in trains. Indian Railways Parents of SANA/Navy/Air Force Medal for Gallantry awardees/their spouses (widows/widowers unless remarried)/unmarried posthumous awardees,” officials told news agency ANI.‘cooperation framework‘ InitiativeIndian Railways and Army have introduced a “Framework for Cooperation” to expand post-retirement employment opportunities for firefighters and serving military personnel transitioning to civilian life.According to the Railway Ministry, the initiative aims to smooth civilian career transition, increase awareness about job prospects and create a support system for retired personnel.Under this, 10% of Level-2/above posts and 20% of Level-1 posts are reserved for ex-servicemen, while 5% of Level-2/above and 10% of Level-1 posts are reserved for retired firefighters. There were 14,788 posts reserved in 2024 and 2025, which included 6,485 Level-1 and 8,303 Level-2/above posts. Recruitment is conducted through competitive examinations through RRC (Level-1) and RRB (Level-2/above).To fill the vacant posts expeditiously, ex-servicemen are being recruited as contract pointsmen. More than 5,000 Level-1 posts are under process, and 9 divisions have signed MoUs with Army organizations for recruitment.The framework also calls for army recruiting bodies to coordinate with railway divisions to expedite these recruitments.(With ANI inputs)