‘Agniveer’s family has been paid Rs 98 lakh’: Army rebuts Rahul Gandhi’s claim

After Gandhi’s statement, the Indian Army put out a statement on X titled ‘Clarification on emoluments to Agniveer Ajay Kumar’, saying: “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,” it said.

“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,” said the statement.

Government sources said that the break-up of compensation given to Agniveers killed in the line of duty is as follows — Rs 48 lakh as insurance from the Union government, Rs 50 lakh insurance from financial institutions under an MoU, Rs 39,000 as an additional sum, ex-gratia of Rs 44 lakh, Army welfare fund of Rs 8 lakh, balance of pay till completion of his tenure (Rs 13 lakh) and Seva Nidhi of Rs 2.3 lakh.

“Out of this, money under the first three categories has been paid to the Agniveer’s family, while the remaining `67.3 lakh will be paid after due process,” said the source.