The Indian Army clarified on Wednesday night that the family of martyr Agniveer Ajay Kumar received Rs 98.39 lakh as compensation, countering Congress MP Rahul Gandhi's accusation that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had misled the Lok Sabha about compensating the family.
Responding to Rahul Gandhi's video message on X, where he stated, "Protection of truth is the foundation of every religion. But Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lied in the Parliament about the assistance given to the family of a martyred Agniveer." The Leader of Opposition demanded an apology from Rajnath Singh to Parliament, the nation, the armed forces, and the grieving family.
In a clarification posted on X, the Army addressed social media claims that compensation hadn't been disbursed to Agniveer Ajay Kumar's next of kin, asserting, "The Indian Army honors the supreme sacrifice of Agniveer Ajay Kumar. His last rites were conducted with full military honors. The family has already received Rs 98.39 lakh, with additional ex-gratia and benefits of approximately Rs 67 lakh pending final account settlement after due police verification, totaling around Rs 1.65 crore."
"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 sacrifice made by Agniveer Ajay Kumar. The last rites were carried out with full military honours.
"Of the total amount due, the family of Agniveer Ajay has already been paid Rs 98.39 lakh. Ex-gratia and other benefits amounting to approximately 67 lakh, 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 crore approximately.
"It is re-emphasised that emoluments due to a fallen hero are paid expeditiously to the next of kin of departed soldiers, including Agniveers."
The statement reiterated the prompt payment of emoluments to the families of fallen soldiers, including Agniveers.
During his first address as Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi reiterated his opposition to the Agnipath scheme for recruiting Agniveers, criticizing the government's approach to soldier benefits. He accused the government of creating division among soldiers by selective pension provision, stating, "Agniveer is a disposable tool. One soldier receives pension, while another does not. You are fostering a divide among soldiers."
Rajnath Singh rebutted Rahul Gandhi's allegations, accusing him of spreading misinformation and reaffirming the government's commitment to providing Rs 1 crore compensation to the families of martyred Agniveers.
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