An additional sum of approximately Rs 67 lakhs is slated for disbursement following the final account settlement, pending police verification. This brings the total compensation to around Rs 1.65 crore, adhering to the provisions of the Agniveer Scheme.
“It is emphasised that the Indian Army salutes the supreme sacrifice made by Agniveer Ajay Kumar. The last rites were carried out with full Military Honours. Of the total amount due, family of Agniveer Ajay has already been paid Rs 98.39 lakhs,” ADGPI said in a post on X.
“Ex – Gratia and other benefits amounting to approximately 67 lakhs, as applicable according to the provisions of the Agniveer Scheme, will be paid on Final Account Settlement shortly post-due police verification. The total amount will be Rs 1.65 Cr approximately. It is re-emphasised that emoluments due to a fallen hero are paid expeditiously to the Next of Kin of departed soldiers, including Agniveers,” it added.
The controversy erupted after Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi accused Defence Minister Rajnath Singh of misleading Parliament regarding the compensation allotted to Agniveer families. In a video message, Rahul Gandhi asserted that despite assurances made by Singh in the Lok Sabha, the family of Agniveer Ajay Kumar had not received the promised Rs 1 crore compensation. He demanded an apology from the Defence Minister, citing discrepancies in the government’s claims.
In a video posted on X, Rahul Gandhi alleged that the minister had lied in Parliament about the issue of compensation to families of killed Agniveers.
“The importance of truth in every religion. Rajnath Singh lied before Lord Shiva’s photo about the compensation to the country, its armed forces, and Agniveers. I have said in my speech that don’t listen to me or his (Rajnath Singh) speech, but listen to the family of Agniveer family,” the Leader of the Opposition said in a video message.
He shared the video of the father of Agniveer Ajay Singh who lost his life in Jammu and Kashmir and said that despite Singh’s claims, his family had not received the promised compensation.
Ajay Singh’s father said, “Rajnath Singh made the statement that families of killed soldiers have been given Rs 1 crore compensation but no such assistance had been received by his family. Rahul Gandhi is raising our voice in Parliament that families of martyrs must get all necessary help. Agniveer recruitment must stop and regular recruitment should be reinstated.”
Responding to the allegations, Rajnath Singh defended the government’s position, stating that the Agniveer Scheme ensures financial assistance of Rs 1 crore to the families of fallen Agniveers who sacrifice their lives in service to the nation’s security. The Defence Minister criticized Rahul Gandhi for disseminating misinformation and attempting to sow division within the armed forces through inaccurate statements.
The issue gained further traction when the Indian Army promptly clarified the disbursement of funds to Agniveer Ajay Kumar’s family, within hours of Rahul Gandhi’s accusations. The Army’s statement reiterated its profound respect for the sacrifice made by Agniveer Ajay Kumar, underscoring that all entitled benefits are promptly provided to the next of kin of deceased soldiers, including Agniveers.
The Agniveer Scheme, initiated in 2022, facilitates the short-term induction of personnel into the armed forces, aimed at lowering the age profile across the three services. Individuals recruited under this scheme are known as Agniveers. However, unlike regular military personnel, families of Agniveers who perish in the line of duty are not eligible for standard benefits like pension. This discrepancy has been a subject of parliamentary deliberation, with a February parliamentary panel recommending parity in benefits for families of Agniveers and regular military personnel.
Earlier in Parliament, Rajnath Singh rebutted Rahul Gandhi’s assertions on the Agniveer scheme, emphasizing that extensive consultations with stakeholders led to its introduction. The Defence Minister underscored the scheme’s role in providing a robust financial package to Agniveers at the end of their four-year service, alongside the invaluable experience gained from serving in the armed forces.
“Rahul Gandhi should not try to mislead the House by making wrong statements. Financial assistance of Rs one crore is given to the family of the Agniveer who sacrifices his life while protecting our borders or during war,” the Defence Minister said.
Amid ongoing debates, both the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Home Affairs have reiterated that the term ‘martyr’ holds no official recognition in governmental usage, underscoring the distinct nomenclature and benefits accorded to Agniveers versus regular soldiers.
(With inputs from ANI)
