NEW DELHI: The Indian Army on Wednesday refuted claims that the family of Agniveer Ajay Kumar, who lost his life while on duty, had not received compensation.
“Of the total amount due, the family of Agniveer Ajay has already been paid Rs 98.4 lakh. Ex gratia and other benefits amounting to Rs 67 lakh, as applicable under the provisions of the Agnipath scheme, will be paid on the final account settlement shortly after due police verification. The total amount will be approximately Rs 1.65 crore,” the Army stated.
The Army emphasized, “Emoluments due to a fallen hero are paid expeditiously to the next of kin of departed soldiers, including Agniveers.”
This statement came in response to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s allegation that Agniveers were not given any compensation and the assertion of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh that recruits who lay down their lives in the line of duty are entitled to a compensation of Rs 1 crore as part of the scheme.
Rahul Gandhi, who had visited Ajay Kumar’s family after his death in a mine blast in the Nowshera sector of Jammu & Kashmir, used his example to criticize the Agnipath scheme, calling it a “use and throw” policy.
While identifying Agniveers as soldiers, the Army also said it “saluting the supreme sacrifice made by Agniveer Ajay Kumar”. The Army also noted that his last rites were carried out with full military honors.
While Ajay Kumar’s father had initially claimed that the family received Rs 48 lakh, his sister Bakhsho confirmed that the family got the money in June.
