“Agniveer Ajay has already been paid…”: Indian Army issues clarification on Agniveer compensation following Rahul Gandhi’s claims

The Indian Army on Wednesday addressed claims regarding compensation for the family of Agniveer Ajay Kumar, who lost his life in service. Responding to criticism from Rahul Gandhi, the Army clarified that ₹98.39 lakh had already been disbursed to Kumar's family shortly after his death, with an additional ₹67 lakhs pending pending police verification. The total compensation under the Agniveer Scheme is expected to reach ₹1.65 crore.

“CLARIFICATION ON EMOLUMENTS TO AGNIVEER AJAY KUMAR: 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, family of Agniveer Ajay has already been paid Rs 98.39 lakhs. Ex - Gratia and other benefits amounting to approximately 67 lakhs, 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 Cr 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 Army noted, emphasizing its respect for Kumar's sacrifice. Rajnath Singh's office reaffirmed the Army's commitment to supporting Agniveers' welfare, following the clarification.

Earlier, Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, had accused Defence Minister Rajnath Singh of misleading Parliament regarding compensation to Kumar's family. Gandhi's video message reiterated claims that the family had not received adequate support from the government, despite Singh's earlier assertion in the Parliament.

"The Defence Minister owes apologies to Parliament, the nation, the Army, and Agniveer Ajay Singh's family," Gandhi asserted, seated beside an image of Lord Shiva. He called for reinstating regular recruitment over the Agniveer scheme, launched in 2022 to lower the age profile of the armed forces through short-term inductions.

Agniveers, recruited under this scheme, do not qualify for benefits like pensions traditionally accorded to regular military personnel. A parliamentary panel had recommended extending these benefits to Agniveer families earlier this year, but no formal adoption of this suggestion has occurred.

In response to Gandhi's accusations, Singh defended the government's position, reaffirming that a ₹1 crore financial assistance package is provided to Agniveers' families in case of death in duty or war. He criticized Gandhi for allegedly creating divisions among soldiers and misleading the House with incorrect statements.