Money Allowances Of Russian Servicemen To Be Increased

Vladimir Putin has approved the proposal of the Defence Ministry on increasing the money allowances of servicemen. Deputy defence minister Lyubov Kudelina told journalists after her meeting with the President that from January 1, 2002, bonuses for "the complexity and intensity of the military service" will be increased to 70 percent. In addition, a decision has been made to introduce special monthly bonuses for commanding military units from a platoon to a regiment, including the sergeant-majors of companies. According to Kudelina, when the 2002 budget was discussed in the State Duma a decision was made to increase long-service bonuses for servicemen.