The Indian Army on Wednesday stated that the family of Agniveer Ajay Kumar, who died in the line of duty, has been paid Rs 98 lakh as compensation. The Army's statement comes after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi claimed in a social media post that Ajay Kumar's family did not receive any compensation from the government.
"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... Of the total amount due, family of Agniveer Ajay has already been paid Rs 98.39 lakhs," the Army statement read.
"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 added.
The Army emphasised that compensation due to a fallen hero are paid "expeditiously to the next of kin of departed soldiers, including Agniveers".
The Army's statement came shortly after Rahul Gandhi posted a video on his X account, claiming that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lied about the compensation paid to the family of Agniveer Ajay Kumar.
The video also purportedly featured the father of Ajay Kumar, who said that he hadn't received any compensation from the central government.
Speaking in Lok Sabha on Monday, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi said the government regards the Agniveers as "use-and-throw labourers" and does not even give them the status of a "shaheed" (martyr).
In reply, Rajnath Singh said that Rahul Gandhi should not mislead Parliament, adding that an Agniveer who lays down his life in the line of duty gets a compensation of Rs 1 crore.
The Agnipath scheme, announced on June 14, 2022, provides for the recruitment of youths between the age bracket of 17-and-half years and 21 for only four years, with a provision to retain 25 per cent of them for 15 more years. The government extended the upper age limit to 23 years later that year.
