LoP Rahul Gandhi and Defense Minister Rajnath Singh Lock Horns over the Agnipath Scheme in the Lok Sabha

The Agnipath Scheme was at the heart of the debate between Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in Lok Sabha on Monday as the Congress MP pointed out the lack of allocation for pension of ‘Agniveers’. In his speech criticizing the 2024 Union Budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the Leader of the Opposition claimed that the Agnipath scheme has “robbed” the country’s soldiers and their families of financial security and respect, pointing to the purported absence of pension.

“You call yourself patriots, but when it comes to helping the soldiers, you couldn’t allocate a single penny for them in the Budget. Youth have been trapped in Agniveer 'chakravyuh', and there are no provisions in the Budget for pension for Agniveers,” said the Congress leader alleging that the Budget exposes the government’s anti – youth agenda.

Rebutting Gandhi’s claims, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that the Leader of Opposition is making attempts to mislead the people of the country in regards to the ‘Agniveer’ scheme. “Our jawans protect the country’s borders; it is such a sensitive issue of our national security. There are attempts to mislead the nation on the Agniveer issue, I am ready to make a statement whenever you permit,” said the Defence Minister.

Rahul Gandhi hit back and said that the money given was compensation. “Previously the Defence Minister said that a compensation of Rs. 1 crore was given to the family of the Martyred Agniveer, but the family got an insurance rather, and that is the truth,” said the Leader of the Opposition.

A similar war of words took place between Rahul Gandhi and Rajnath Singh on July 1. "One Agniveer lost his life in a landmine blast, but he is not recognised as a ’martyr’. I consider him a martyr, but the government of India does not. PM Modi does not call him a martyr -- he refers to him as an Agniveer. His family will not receive pension or compensation. The Agnipath scheme treats them as expendable, like a labourer," said Gandhi, sparking off massive protests from the BJP members.

Following which, the Defence Minister clarified that the families of Agniveers who die in the line of duty receive financial assistance of Rs. 1 crore. "He (Rahul Gandhi) should not mislead the House with incorrect statements. Financial aid of Rs. 1 crore is provided to the family of an Agniveer who sacrifices his life while defending our borders or during wartime," asserted Mr. Singh.

Rahul Gandhi later cited the case of Agniveer Ajay Kumar who died in the line of duty while posting a video of Ajay Kumar’s father and claimed the family had not received any money from the central government, and demanded facilities and pension. Ajay Kumar’s family later clarified that they have received some compensation but demanded hero status for him.

The Agnipath scheme launched in the year 2022 was meant to recruit personnel for short-term service in the armed forces and reduce the age profile of candidates across the board. Known as Agniveers, these individuals do not currently qualify for regular benefits such as pension for their families in the event of their death in service. The issue has sparked broader discussions, with a parliamentary panel earlier recommending that families of Agniveers who die in the line of duty should receive benefits equivalent to those provided to families of regular military personnel.