Army Confirms Rs 98.39 Lakh Paid to Martyred Agniveer Ajay's Family

The Indian Army has dismissed claims circulating on social media that the family of Agniveer Ajay Kumar, who died in service, has not received compensation. The Army confirmed that Rs 98.39 lakh has already been paid to his next of kin out of the total due amount.

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi had shared a video on X, where Ajay's father claimed they had not received any money. Gandhi used this to accuse Defence Minister Rajnath Singh of lying in Parliament about compensation for families of martyred Agniveers and demanded an apology.

Army Clarification on Compensation

The Indian Army clarified that the total compensation amount will be approximately Rs 1.65 crore. They emphasised that emoluments due to fallen soldiers, including Agniveers, are paid promptly to their families. "The Indian Army salutes the supreme sacrifice made by Agniveer Ajay Kumar," the Army stated.

In a post on X, the additional directorate general of public information of the Army reiterated that Ajay Kumar's last rites were conducted with full military honours. They also mentioned that ex-gratia and other benefits amounting to around Rs 67 lakh will be paid after final account settlement and police verification.

Breakdown of Compensation

Officials detailed that the total compensation includes Rs 48 lakh as insurance from the government, Rs 50 lakh from financial institutions under an MoU, and Rs 39,000 additional sum—all of which have been paid. The remaining amount includes Rs 44 lakh as ex gratia, Rs 8 lakh from the Army welfare fund, approximately Rs 13 lakh as balance pay till tenure completion, and Rs 2.3 lakh as Seva Nidhi.

The Agnipath scheme, announced on June 14, 2022, recruits youths aged between 17-and-a-half years and 21 for four years, with a provision to retain 25% for an additional 15 years. The upper age limit was later extended to 23 years.

Political Reactions

Rahul Gandhi criticised Rajnath Singh's statement in Parliament regarding compensation for Agniveers. Gandhi said Singh lied about the compensation before Lord Shiva's photo and demanded an apology. He cited Ajay's father's statement that no compensation had been received despite Singh's claims.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh responded by urging Gandhi not to mislead Parliament. Singh stated that extensive consultations were held before implementing the Agnipath scheme. "This scheme has been brought after a lot of thought," he added.

Following Singh's rebuttal, Gandhi asserted that while both he and Singh have opinions, Agniveers know the reality they face. Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also criticised the BJP government for allegedly lying in Parliament about the issue.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra accused the BJP of insulting the sacrifices made by families who lost their sons for the country. She demanded an apology from the Prime Minister for allegedly lying to the nation and disrespecting martyrs.

The Office of Raksha Mantri later posted on X, affirming that "Indian Army is committed to the welfare of Agniveers!" and shared the ADGPI's post regarding Ajay Kumar's compensation.

The controversy highlights ongoing debates over the Agnipath scheme and its impact on young recruits and their families. The Indian Army continues to assert its commitment to promptly compensating families of fallen soldiers.