The Indian Army has definitively confirmed that the family of Agniveer Ajay Kumar, who tragically lost his life in a landmine blast in January, will receive a total compensation of ₹1.65 crore. This clarification comes amidst a political firestorm ignited by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who alleged the government had misled the public about the compensation for fallen Agniveers.
Agniveer Compensation: A Detailed Breakdown
The Army has meticulously detailed the compensation package, revealing that ₹98.39 lakh has already been disbursed to Agniveer Ajay Kumar’s family. The remaining ₹67 lakh, comprising ex-gratia payments and other entitlements stipulated under the Agniveer scheme, is slated for imminent disbursement upon completion of due police verification. This substantial financial support is a testament to the nation’s commitment to honoring the sacrifices of its brave soldiers.
The comprehensive compensation encompasses a multifaceted approach, including ₹48 lakh from government insurance, ₹50 lakh from financial institutions as per a memorandum of understanding, and an additional ₹39,000. Furthermore, an ex-gratia payment of ₹44 lakh, ₹8 lakh from the Army welfare fund, ₹13 lakh as balance of pay, and ₹2.3 lakh from the Seva Nidhi fund will be processed in due course, underscoring the comprehensive nature of the support provided to the bereaved family.
Political Sparring Over Agniveer Benefits
The controversy erupted when Mr. Gandhi shared a video on social media purportedly showing the father of the deceased Agniveer claiming that no compensation had been received, thereby accusing Defence Minister Rajnath Singh of misleading Parliament. This allegation sparked a heated exchange between the two leaders, with Mr. Singh asserting that Agniveers receive a compensation of ₹1 crore from the government.
However, serving officials and veterans have countered Mr. Gandhi’s claims, highlighting that the ₹50 lakh insurance amount is paid by the State Bank of India as a personal accident cover to government employee account holders. Additionally, they clarified that the ₹48 lakh insurance amount is not directly from the government but is provided through group insurance schemes like the Army Group Insurance Fund, which are registered societies rather than government entities.
Key Takeaways
- The family of Agniveer Ajay Kumar, who lost his life in a landmine blast, will receive a total compensation of ₹1.65 crore.
- The compensation comprises government insurance, funds from financial institutions, ex-gratia payments, and other benefits.
- The controversy surrounding Agniveer compensation highlights the need for transparent communication and accurate information dissemination.
- The debate also raises questions about the adequacy of benefits for Agniveers, who are not entitled to pensions and emoluments upon completion of their four-year service.
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.
