Army Clarifies Payment to Agniveer’s Family Following Rahul Gandhi’s Claim
Army Confirms Compensation to Agniveer Ajay Kumar’s Family
04.07.2024: In response to Rahul Gandhi’s claim regarding unpaid compensation, the Indian Army clarified late Wednesday night that Agniveer Ajay Kumar’s family has been paid ₹ 98.39 lakh. This clarification came within hours of Rahul Gandhi’s statement alleging that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had misled Parliament about the compensation.
Army’s Statement on Social Media
The Army took to social media to address the issue, stating, “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.” The Army emphasized their respect for Agniveer Ajay Kumar’s supreme sacrifice and detailed the financial compensation process.
Breakdown of Compensation
According to the Army’s post on X (formerly Twitter), the family received ₹ 98.39 lakh, and an additional ₹ 67 lakh in ex-gratia and other benefits will be disbursed upon final account settlement, pending police verification. This will bring the total compensation to approximately ₹ 1.65 crore.
Rajnath Singh’s Office Responds
Following the Army’s clarification, Rajnath Singh’s office reiterated the commitment to the welfare of Agniveers, underscoring that the Army is dedicated to supporting the families of those who serve.
Rahul Gandhi’s Allegations
Rahul Gandhi had earlier released a video accusing the Defence Minister of lying about the compensation. He demanded an apology from Rajnath Singh, Parliament, and the nation. In the video, Agniveer Ajay Kumar’s father also claimed they had not received any compensation from the Central government, contradicting the Defence Minister’s statement.
Background on the Agnipath Scheme
Launched in 2022, the Agnipath scheme aims to induct personnel into the armed forces for short-term service to lower the age profile of the military. Those recruited under this scheme are known as Agniveers.
Family’s Claims and Political Reactions
Ajay Kumar’s father expressed frustration over the lack of support, calling for the termination of the Agnipath scheme and the reinstatement of regular recruitment. Rahul Gandhi accused the government of creating a divide among soldiers, criticizing the lack of regular benefits, such as pensions, for Agniveers.
Defence Minister’s Response in Parliament
Rajnath Singh defended the Agnipath scheme, stating that thorough consultations were held before its implementation. He asserted that Agniveers receive significant financial packages at the end of their service, which provide a substantial head start and valuable experience.
Ongoing Debate on Agnipath Scheme
The controversy highlights ongoing debates about the Agnipath scheme and the treatment of Agniveers compared to regular military personnel. As the government and opposition continue to clash, the focus remains on ensuring fair compensation and support for the families of those who serve.