In a bid to address the questions surrounding financial assistance to the Next of Kin of a fallen soldier under the Agniveery scheme, the Indian Army has provided a detailed breakdown of the emoluments entitled to deceased casualties. This comes after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused the Agniveer scheme of neglecting the families of martyred soldiers following the death of Agniveer Gawate Akshay Laxman, a charge also vehemently denied by the BJP.
Agniveer Gawate Akshay Laxman made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in Siachen. The Indian Army expressed its unwavering support for his bereaved family during this somber time and has clarified that his family will receive the financial support mandated by his service.
The army listed the following emoluments authorised for a deceased Battle Casualty as per terms of engagement of Agniveers:
- A non-contributory insurance sum, amounting to ₹48 Lakh.
- Seva Nidhi, contributed by the Agniveer (30%), matched by an equal contribution from the Government, along with interest.
- Ex-gratia payment of ₹44 Lakh.
- Pay for the remaining tenure from the date of death until the completion of four years, which, in this case, exceeds ₹13 Lakh.
- A contribution of ₹8 Lakh from the Armed Forces Battle Casualty Fund.
- Immediate financial assistance of ₹30,000 from the Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA).
The questions arose as Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed concerns about the alleged lack of benefits provided to the families of Agniveers. He shared a tribute to Agniveer Gawate Akshay Laxman and questioned the absence of gratuity, military facilities, and pensions for the families of fallen soldiers under the Agniveer scheme.
The BJP's IT cell head, Amit Malviya, swiftly refuted these allegations, dismissing them as "absolute trash" and "irresponsible." He emphasised that Agniveer Gawate Akshay Laxman is entitled to various emoluments as a Battle Casualty.
More On It: ‘Agniveer A Scheme To Insult India's Bravehearts’: Rahul After Gawate Ajay Laxman’s Death, BJP Responds
Earlier in the day, Agniveer Gawate Akshay Laxman, who hailed from Maharashtra, was honored by Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande and all ranks of the force in a solemn tribute.
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