Leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, released a video on Friday stating that the family of martyred 'Agniveer' Ajay Kumar has not yet received any compensation from the government. He clarified the difference between compensation and insurance, noting that the martyr's family has only received insurance payouts. Gandhi expressed concern that the government-assured assistance has not been provided to Ajay Kumar's family.
Gandhi stressed the importance of honoring every martyr’s family who laid down their lives for the country. However, he also highlighted the apparent discrimination by the Modi government towards these families. Regardless of the government's claims, Gandhi emphasized that this issue pertains to national security, a matter he promises to persistently address, ensuring that the coalition army in India will never be weakened.
Prior to this, Rahul Gandhi had accused Defense Minister Rajnath Singh on July 3 of deceiving Parliament about compensation for the families of the martyred 'Agniveers'. Gandhi urged an apology for these misleading statements, following which a statement from the Indian Army's ADG PI emerged. It revealed that social media posts indicated the lack of compensation to the bereaved family of Agniveer Ajay Kumar, who died in the line of duty.
Martyr's kin paid ₹98.39 lakh
The ADG PI stated that Indian Army salutes the supreme sacrifice made by 'Agniveer' Ajay Kumar and had accorded him a farewell with full military honors. Further, it was confirmed that the kin of the martyred 'Agniveer' Ajay had already received a payment of ₹98.39 lakh. Alignment with the provisions of the 'Agniveer' scheme, approximately ₹67 lakh in financial aid and other benefits will be disbursed following police verification. The total amount will roughly amount to ₹1.65 crore, underlining the emphasis on expediting the financial assistance for relatives of the deceased soldiers, including 'Agniveers'.
Rahul Gandhi raised the issue in the Lok Sabha
In the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi referenced the government’s 'Agniveer' scheme. He shared his meeting with the family of 'Agniveer', highlighting the government's refusal to grant martyrs' status to 'Agniveers'. Gandhi criticized the policy, labeling 'Agniveers' as 'use and throw' laborers, contributing to the fear amongst soldiers about the scheme. Reflecting on this, Gandhi insisted that Prime Minister Modi does not acknowledge these young soldiers as martyrs.
Rajnath Singh refutes Rahul Gandhi's statement
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh intervened during the Lok Sabha session on July 1st, while replying to the presidential address. Singh countered Gandhi's address by stating that 'Agniveers' who sacrifice their lives in the line of duty are entitled to compensation of one crore rupees. The 'Agniveer' scheme was launched after consultations with 158 organizations, Singh explained.
