In a heated press conference at the All India Congress Committee (AICC) headquarters in New Delhi, Colonel (retired) Rohit Chaudhry, Chief of the Ex-Servicemen’s Department, intensified pressure on the government, demanding a comprehensive ‘white paper’ on the controversial Agnipath recruitment scheme for the armed forces.
Demand for Transparency
Colonel Chaudhry underscored the necessity of a ‘white paper’ to illuminate the ground realities surrounding the Agnipath scheme, which has sparked contentious debates over compensation discrepancies for fallen ‘Agniveers.’
Controversy Over Compensation
The controversy escalated with claims regarding the compensation received by the family of late ‘Agniveer’ Ajay Singh from Ludhiana, Punjab. While the Indian Army stated disbursement of ₹98.39 lakh, discrepancies emerged as Mr. Chaudhry alleged that the family had received only ₹48 lakh from the Centre, in addition to ₹1 crore from the Punjab government and ₹50 lakh from a private insurer.
Political Fallout
The uproar gained momentum after Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, accused Defence Minister Rajnath Singh of misleading Parliament regarding compensation issues, demanding a public apology for the alleged misinformation.
Call for Fair Treatment
Colonel Chaudhry emphasized the Congress’s stance against perceived discrimination towards ‘Agniveers’ and other military personnel, calling for equitable treatment in governmental assistance to families of fallen soldiers.
Transparency Amidst Allegations
Wing Commander (retired) Anuma Acharya echoed concerns over what she described as the Modi government’s strategic obfuscation and dissemination of incomplete information through official channels, condemning these actions as misleading to the public.
Pressing for Clarity
As tensions mount over the Agnipath scheme’s integrity and fairness, the Congress’s demand for a ‘white paper’ aims to address the disparity between benefits accorded to ‘Agniveers’ and conventional soldiers, shedding light on the factual basis of assistance policies for families of fallen servicemen.
Key Learning Points:
| Topic | Summary |
|---|---|
| Compensation Discrepancies | Discrepancies in compensation for fallen ‘Agniveers’ highlight concerns over fairness and clarity. |
| Political Allegations | Rahul Gandhi’s accusations of misinformation deepen political rifts over Defence Minister’s statements. |
| Demand for Transparency | Congress’s call for a ‘white paper’ seeks to clarify Agnipath scheme details amid public scrutiny. |
Soumya Smruti Sahoo is a seasoned journalist with extensive experience in both international and Indian news writing. With a sharp analytical mind and a dedication to uncovering the truth, Soumya has built a reputation for delivering in-depth, well-researched articles that provide readers with a clear understanding of complex global and domestic issues. Her work reflects a deep commitment to journalistic integrity, making her a trusted source for accurate and insightful news coverage.
