India Army Refutes Rahul Gandhi’s Claims, Says Agniveer’s Family Was Paid Rs 98 Lakh – News18

The Indian Army, in a social media post on Wednesday, stated that Agniveer Ajay Kumar’s family was paid Rs 98.39 lakh after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi claimed that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh “lied” about compensation given to the family of an Agniveer who lost his life in the line of duty.

“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,” the Army said.

“The last rites were carried out with full Military Honours. Of the total amount due, family of Agniveer Ajay has already been paid ₹ 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 ₹ 1.65 Cr approximately,” the Army further stated.

According to Ministry of Defence (MoD) sources, the breakup of the amount being given to the family of the Agniveer is as follows –

• Rs 48 lakhs as insurance from GoI
• ⁠Rs 50 lakhs as insurance from financial institutions under an MoU
• Rs 39,000 additional sum
• 44 lakhs – Ex gratia
• Rs 8 lakhs – Army welfare fund
• Balance of pay till completion of his tenure-  Rs13 lakhs (approximately)
• Seva Nidhi- 2.3 lakhs ( total 67.3 lakhs will be paid after due process)

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also quoted the Army’s X post and wrote, “Indian Army is committed to the welfare of Agniveers!”

Earlier in the day, Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi alleged that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh “lied” in Parliament over compensation to families of “martyr” Agniveers and demanded an apology for it.