New Delhi, Jun 4 (IANS): The Central government has increased compensation for the loss of milch animals killed during cross border firing in Jammu and Kashmir, an official statement said.

For the loss of each milch animal, the Centre will now provide Rs 50,000 -- a hike of Rs 20,000, against the the earlier sum of Rs 30,000, said a Home Ministry statement.

"It was observed that Rs 30,000 compensation for loss of one milch animal was quite inadequate compared to actual value of such animals. Considering the problem of border residents, the government of India has increased the compensation amount to Rs 50,000," it added said.

The claims will initially be paid to the victims by Jammu and Kashmir government after evaluating of the actual loss, said the statement, adding the amount will then be reimbursed by the Home Ministry under the Security Related Expenditure (Relief and Rehabilitation) Scheme.

"Orders in this regard have been issued to Jammu and Kashmir government on June 1."

The Central government had announced expenditure for relief camps and compensation for losses of houses, crops, livestock at NDRF rates to the victims of cross border firing in December 2017, added the statement.