The Army, in a late night post on Wednesday, has clarified that Agniveer Ajay Kumar’s family has been paid Rs 98.39 lakh, rebutting Rahul Gandhi’s claim that Rajnath Singh “lied” about compensation of Rs 1 crore being paid to the family in parliament.
“Certain posts on Social Media have brought out that compensation hasn’t been paid to the Next of Kin of Agniveer Ajay Kumar who lost his life in the line of duty,” said the Army in a post on X, underlining that it salutes the supreme sacrifice made by the Agniveer.
*CLARIFICATION ON EMOLUMENTS TO AGNIVEER AJAY KUMAR*
Certain posts on Social Media have brought out that compensation hasn’t been paid to the Next of Kin of Agniveer Ajay Kumar who lost his life in the line of duty.
It is emphasised that the Indian Army salutes the supreme… pic.twitter.com/yMl9QhIbGM
— ADG PI – INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) July 3, 2024
“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. 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,” the Army added.
The clarification came within two hours of a video message by Rahul Gandhi, doubling down on his statement that compensation has not been paid to Agniveer Ajay Kumar’s family.
“Protection of truth is the basis of every religion! But Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lied in Parliament about the assistance given to the family of martyred Agniveer. Agniveer Ajay Singh’s father himself has told the truth about their lies. The Defence Minister should apologise to the Parliament, the country, the Army and the family of Agniveer Ajay Singh ji,” said Mr Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, seated next to a Lord Shiva picture.
Launched in 2022, Agnipath scheme provides for short-term induction of personnel into the armed forces with an aim to bring down the age profile of the three services. Those recruited under the scheme are called Agniveers.
In the same video, the father of Ajay Singh stated that “their family had not received” any compensation from the Central government, which runs counter to the statement made by the Defence Minister.
“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,” said the Agniveer’s father.
Over the years, the ministries of Defence and Home have reiterated that there is no official usage of the term ‘martyr’.
Under the existing provisions, families of Agniveers who die in the line of duty are not eligible for regular benefits like pension.
Families of Agniveers dying in the line of duty should get the same benefits that are extended to those of regular military personnel, a parliamentary panel recommended in February.
