Indian Army refutes Rahul Gandhi’s claims on Agniveer scheme

The Indian Army issued a statement saying the Agniveer family was paid Rs. 98 lakh after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleged that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh “lied” about the compensation.

On Wednesday, the Indian Army, on a social media post, spoke about the Agniveer scheme and said that Agniveer Ajay Kumar’s family was paid Rs. 98.39 lakh. They refuted the claims made by Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi that said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh “lied” about compensation given to the family of a soldier who was killed in the line of duty.

What did the Indian Army post about?

The post on social media by the Indian Army said, “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 last rites were carried out with full military honors. Of the total amount due, family of Agniveer Ajay has already been paid Rs 98.39 lakh. Ex-gratia and other benefits amounting to approximately Rs 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 cr approximately.”

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also posted on the same.

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

Rahul Gandhi, leader of the opposition in Lok Sabha, had alleged that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh “lied” about the compensation made to families of “martyr” Agniveers and demanded an apology for it.