Army rebuts Rahul Gandhi’s claim: Rs 98 lakh paid to Agniveer’s family.

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

SHYAM SOOD 

RAJOURI/NEW DELHI JULY 03:-Rebutting Congress MP Rahul Gandhi’s claim that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had on Wednesday ‘lied’ in Parliament regarding compensation to families of martyred Agniveers, including of martyr Agniveer Ajay Kumar, the Indian Army claimed that Agniveer Raj Kumar’s family had been paid Rs 98.39 lakh.
ADG PI-Indian Army in a post on ‘X’ has also claimed that ex-gratia & other benefits amounting to apprx Rs 67 lakhs, as applicable according to the provisions of Agniveer Scheme, will also be paid on final account settlement shortly post due police verification. The total amount will be Rs 1.65 cr approximately.
The clarification came soon after Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi in a video message on X said: “Protection of truth is the foundation of every religion. But Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lied in the Parliament about the assistance given to the family of a martyred Agniveer.”
He also accused Rajnath Singh of deceiving the Parliament regarding the assistance to martyred Agniveer Ajay Singh’s family and demanded his apology to the Parliament, the nation, the armed forces, and the bereaved family.
ADG PI-Indian Army in a post on X wrote: “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.”
Post on X further read: Of the total amount due, the family of Agniveer Ajay has already been paid Rs 98.39 lakh. Ex-gratia and other benefits amounting to approximately 67 lakh, 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 crore 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.”
Agniveer Ajay Kumar attained martyrdom and two other soldiers of a patrol party were injured in a landmine explosion in Kalal area of Nowshera sector of Rajouri district in the month of January.
Even during his first speech as a leader of opposition in the 18th Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi has expressed his opposition to Agniveer Scheme & accused the government of fostering a divide among soldiers.
Rajnath Singh while countering Rahul Gandhi’s allegations accused him of spreading misinformation.
The Defence Minister said that the government provides approximately Rs 1 crore in compensation to the families of martyred Agniveers.