NEW DELHI: Indian Army on Wednesday refuted claims that the family of Agniveer Ajay Kumar, who lost his life while on duty, was not paid compensation.
“Of the total amount due, family of Agniveer Ajay has already been paid Rs 98.4 lakh. Ex gratia and other benefits amounting to Rs 67 lakh, as applicable according to 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 said.
“It is re-emphasised that emoluments due to a fallen hero are paid expeditiously to the next of the kin of departed soldiers, including Agniveers,” it added.
The statement came amid 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, who had visited the family of Ajay, who died in a mine blast in Nowshera sector in J&K, had given his example to say that Agnipath was a “use and throw” scheme.
While identifying Agniveers as soldiers, the Army also said it “salutes the supreme sacrifice made by Agniveer Ajay Kumar”, adding that his last rites were carried out with full military honours. While Ajay’s father had said that his family was paid Rs 48 lakh, his sister Bakhsho said the family got the money in June.
“Of the total amount due, family of Agniveer Ajay has already been paid Rs 98.4 lakh. Ex gratia and other benefits amounting to Rs 67 lakh, as applicable according to 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 said.
“It is re-emphasised that emoluments due to a fallen hero are paid expeditiously to the next of the kin of departed soldiers, including Agniveers,” it added.
The statement came amid 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, who had visited the family of Ajay, who died in a mine blast in Nowshera sector in J&K, had given his example to say that Agnipath was a “use and throw” scheme.
While identifying Agniveers as soldiers, the Army also said it “salutes the supreme sacrifice made by Agniveer Ajay Kumar”, adding that his last rites were carried out with full military honours. While Ajay’s father had said that his family was paid Rs 48 lakh, his sister Bakhsho said the family got the money in June.
