Khordha (Odisha):

Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi praised the Agniveer scheme during the passing out parade of the fourth batch of Agniveers in Odisha, stating that the initiative is progressing well.

Admiral Tripathi noted that over 2,500 Agniveers have completed their training in the first three batches.

“I was the Chief of Personnel in 2022 when the Agnipath scheme was introduced. Now, two years later, we have just seen the fourth batch pass out on Friday from our premier training establishment, INS Chilka. The scheme is going well. We have trained more than 2,500 Agniveers in the first three batches,” Tripathi said on Friday.

“This batch includes nearly 1,429 Agniveers, with around 300 of them being women. I have observed the Agniveers here at Chilka during the first batch, seen them on ships, and again today. I see great hope in them — they are highly motivated, enthusiastic, and I am confident they are fully integrated into the Indian Navy,” he added.

The passing out parade (POP) of the fourth batch of Agniveers was held on Friday at INS Chilka, the Indian Navy’s premier training establishment in Odisha.

The POP not only marked the successful completion of 16 weeks of initial Naval training for the Agniveers but also signaled the beginning of their journey in the Combat Ready, Credible, Cohesive, and Future Ready Indian Navy.

The training at Chilka encompassed academic instruction, various aspects of naval service, and outdoor training, all grounded in the core values of duty, honor, and courage.

The Agnipath scheme, announced by the government in June 2022, is designed to promote a youthful profile within the Armed Forces. Those recruited under the scheme are known as ‘Agniveers.’

The government has stated that there will be numerous job opportunities and other avenues for those not retained in the defense forces after four years.

Upon completion of their four-year tenure, approximately 25 percent of the Agniveers will be retained in the Indian Armed Forces as regular cadres for a minimum of 15 years. The remaining Agniveers will receive assistance for further employment opportunities. They will be given a Seva Nidhi Package of Rs 11.71 lakhs upon their exit, which will be exempt from Income Tax. However, there will be no pension benefits.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Chandigarh:

Mohali Police on Wednesday said it has arrested three youths, including an Agniveer, in a vehicle snatching case.

The police said the accused have been identified as Agniveer Ishmeet Singh alias Ishu, Prabhpreet Singh alias Prabh and Balkaran Singh, who had taken a room on rent in Mohali’s Balongi.

Addressing a press conference in Mohali, Senior Superintendent of Police Sandeep Kumar Garg said the trio had two days ago allegedly stolen a car from the driver at gunpoint after booking a ride through an app.

They had used pepper spray on the driver’s face while snatching the vehicle in Mohali district, he said.

Ishmeet, currently posted in West Bengal, had come to Punjab on leave two months ago but did not rejoin work after his leave period of one month ended, the SSP said, adding that the accused hails from Punjab’s Fazilka district.

A probe was launched and the investigation led to the arrest of the accused on Wednesday, he said.

The accused were also involved in a few other incidents of vehicle snatching and theft and used to flee to Fazilka after committing the crimes, the officer said.

“Ishmeet Singh was enrolled as Agniveer in 2022. He had come on leave two months ago but did not join back his duty,” the SSP said.

A stolen scooter, a motorcycle and a countrymade pistol have also been recovered from the accused, he added. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

New Delhi:

Former Indian Air Force (IAF) chief RKS Bhadauria spoke about the settlement of compensation to a deceased Agniveer soldier’s family, explaining that the process takes time due to comprehensive guidelines that usually span two to three months.

He detailed the steps involved in the ex-gratia compensation process and addressed concerns regarding the time required to finalize payments.

“There is a process for compensation and other amounts because if it is a battle casualty or physical casualty which is attributable, it is managed by the government and therefore it has to be established. That process of establishment follows certain guidelines.

The post-mortem report should come, all the incident reports, the court of inquiry, and the report from the police–these are the major elements. This process needs to be completed. It is no different in the case of a normal soldier or an Agniveer. It is the same,” Mr Bhadauria said in an interview with ANI.

Speaking about the time taken to settle all payments to the deceased soldier’s next of kin, he said, “Normally it takes two to three months because there is an inquiry involved.”

Mr Bhadauria denied allegations that families of Agniveers are kept in the dark about the compensation process, saying that defence personnel in the unit take care of the family and explain the process in detail.

“Every unit takes great care. They are at pains to be in touch with the family. They are always in touch with the family and they explain at length,” he said.

Mr Bhadauria reasoned that due to the trauma experienced by the family of the deceased, a sense of “confusion” might arise.

“You must imagine a family that has gone through this trauma. There are a lot of people interacting and advising. So it is that which leads to a sense of confusion to get created,” he said.

Mr Bhadauria also pointed out that, in the event of a soldier’s death, a sizeable portion of the insurance amount is credited to the next of kin.

“Whenever such an incident happens and somebody loses their life, in all cases–whether it is a battle casualty, physical casualty, attributable, or non-attributable–the insurance amount gets credited straightaway. In the case of a normal soldier, they have their policies. They normally credit 50 per cent straightaway within 24 or 48 hours, and then they meet the family and ask how they would like the rest, whether in their name or children’s name,” he said.

Mr Bhadauria stressed that there is no confusion about the next of kin for the soldier, as they are clearly defined in advance. He also said that the deceased soldier’s family is provided with financial guidance.

“The next of kin is clearly defined. There is no confusion. The money can only go to the account of the next of kin. There is a lot of financial guidance given to the family, which many of the soldiers’ families would need. This is also provided by the insurance company through our officers and men,” he said.

Sharing an attribute of the insurance payable to all enrolled under the Agnipath scheme, the Retired Air Chief Marshall said that unlike regular soldiers the Agniveers do not need to contribute any portion of their salary towards insurance and the entire amount is paid by the Government of India.

“In the case of Agniveer in particular, the insurance is paid by the Government of India. The Agniveers don’t even contribute. In the case of a regular soldier, every month roughly Rs 5000 is cut. You are into a contributory insurance scheme, in all three Services. Roughly Rs 5000 is charged for sepoys, which is Rs 60000 per year and you get insured. The insurance figures are a little different in the three services but of the order of around Rs 50-60 lakhs for sepoys. That is contributory. In the case of Agniveers, they do not contribute. Government of India pays the insurance, should something happen,” Mr Bhadauria said.

Amid the ongoing controversy over compensation for Agniveer Ajay Kumar’s family, Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria (Retired) has clarified the situation. He explained that while a portion of the compensation has already been disbursed, the remainder will be settled once the necessary paperwork is completed. Bhadauria addressed the controversy surrounding financial aid, explaining the current status of payments and the steps needed for finalizing the ex-gratia compensation.

“I think the recent controversy has been around financial aid or whatever payments have been made, whether they have been made or not. The Army has released a media brief stating that Rs 98.39 lakh have been paid. This is primarily the insurance from the Government of India, and there is a DSP account with the bank which ensures that the payment of Rs 50 lakh and Rs 48 lakh from the Government of India also goes through. That has already been cleared,” the Retired Air Chief Marshal said in an exclusive conversation with ANI.

Mr Bhadauria said that unless the police report comes through and it is settled that the case is “battle casualty” attributable, the ex-gratia cannot be paid from the central welfare fund.

“You have to wait for the paperwork to be over for all the final settlement of account that takes place. For that, one of the critical things is the police report. Based on that final thing…whether it is battle casualty attributable unless the attributability comes, the ex gratia cannot be paid from the central welfare fund. That is a complete fund. The Ministry of Defence does it. It is also dependent on the reports that come from the police. In this case, the Jammu and Kashmir Police will send its report. I think those actions should have been completed. It was in the final stages as I knew last week,” the Retired Air Chief Marshall said.

Mr Bhadauria said that Agniveer Ajay Kumar’s family will receive an additional Rs 67 lakh, and the total emoluments for his next-of-kin will amount to Rs 1.65 crore.

“Some more money will be transferred. That will be the ex-gratia from the Army central welfare fund and his balance of payment for the unserved portion and the Seva Nidhi package. So over Rs 67 odd lakhs further will go. So total emoluments that his next-of-kin will get is of the order of Rs 1.65 crores. So these are the hard facts,” he said.

Agniveer Ajay Kumar was killed in a landmine blast near the Line of Control in the Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir. The confusion over the financial compensation paid to the deceased Agniveer led to a political slugfest between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and the opposition parties.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

The Army, in a late-night post on Wednesday, has clarified that Agniveer Ajay Kumar’s family has been paid Rs 98.39 lakh within hours of Rahul Gandhi’s claim that Rajnath Singh “lied” to parliament about compensation of Rs 1 crore being paid to the family. 

“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,” said the Army in a post on X, underlining that it salutes the supreme sacrifice made by the Agniveer. 

*CLARIFICATION ON EMOLUMENTS TO AGNIVEER AJAY KUMAR*

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… pic.twitter.com/yMl9QhIbGM

— ADG PI – INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) July 3, 2024

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

Reposting the Army’s clarification, Rajnath Singh’s office said, “Indian Army is committed for the welfare of Agniveers.”

Sources have told NDTV that Rs 98 lakh were paid to the Agniveer’s family in June-end.

The clarification came within two hours of a video message by Rahul Gandhi, doubling down on his statement that compensation has not been paid to Agniveer Ajay Kumar’s family.  

“Protection of truth is the basis of every religion. But Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lied in Parliament about the assistance given to the family of martyred Agniveer. Agniveer Ajay Singh’s father himself has told the truth about their lies. The Defence Minister should apologise to the Parliament, the country, the Army and the family of Agniveer Ajay Singh ji,” said Mr Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, seated next to a Lord Shiva picture.

सत्य की रक्षा हर धर्म का आधार है!

लेकिन रक्षा मंत्री राजनाथ सिंह ने शहीद अग्निवीर के परिवार को सहायता मिलने के बारे में संसद में झूठ बोला।

उनके झूठ पर शहीद अग्निवीर अजय सिंह के पिता जी ने खुद सच्चाई बताई है।

रक्षा मंत्री को संसद, देश, सेना और शहीद अग्निवीर अजय सिंह जी के… pic.twitter.com/H2odxpfyOO

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) July 3, 2024

Launched in 2022, Agnipath scheme provides for short-term induction of personnel into the armed forces with an aim to bring down the age profile of the three services. Those recruited under the scheme are called Agniveers.

In the same video, the father of Ajay Singh stated that “their family had not received” any compensation from the Central government, which runs counter to the statement made by the Defence Minister.

“Rahul Gandhi is raising our voice in Parliament that families of martyrs must get all necessary help. Agniveer recruitment must stop and regular recruitment should be reinstated,” said the Agniveer’s father.

Over the years, the ministries of Defence and Home have reiterated that there is no official usage of the term ‘martyr’.

Under the existing provisions, families of Agniveers who die in the line of duty are not eligible for regular benefits like pension.

Families of Agniveers dying in the line of duty should get the same benefits that are extended to those of regular military personnel, a parliamentary panel recommended in February.

Earlier on Monday, Rajnath Singh objected to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s remarks in Lok Sabha on the Agniveer scheme and said financial assistance of Rs 1 crore is given to the family of the Agniveer who dies in the line of duty or during a war.

“You are creating a divide between soldiers. One will get the name of a martyr, while one will not (the Agniveer). One will get the pension, while the other will not (the Agniveer). An Agniveer is not called a jawan. And then you call yourself a patriot,” said Mr Gandhi, suggesting there are two classes of soldiers. 

Mr Singh accused Mr Gandhi of trying to mislead the House by making wrong statements.

“He (Rahul Gandhi) should not try to mislead the House by making wrong statements. Financial assistance of Rs one crore is given to the family of the Agniveer who sacrifices his life while protecting our borders or during war,” said the Defence Minister.

“Galat nahi hai, sir; galat nahi hai, sir (I am not wrong, sir; I am not wrong, sir),” Mr Gandhi protested to the Speaker.

Mr Gandhi used both compensation and pension in his speech and while replying Mr Singh used the word compensation.

“Regarding the Agniveer scheme, direct communication was established with many people, 158 organizations, their suggestions were taken, then this Agniveer scheme has been brought. This scheme has been brought after a lot of thought,” Mr Singh said. 

The Centre maintains that a good financial package to Agniveers at the end of their four-year service will give them a good head start, besides the unique experience of working in the forces.

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Polls are long over. The action has moved to parliament. It’s now time for debate and discussion. And, disagreements, too. The Lok Sabha witnessed one such spirited exchange between Rahul Gandhi, the first time Leader of Opposition, and Rajnath Singh, Defence Minister, over Agniveers. 

Mr Gandhi, while speaking in Lok Sabha, targeted the government over the Agnipath scheme, terming it “use-and-throw labour” for the government.

Launched in 2022, Agnipath scheme provides for short-term induction of personnel into the armed forces with an aim to bring down the age profile of the three services. Those recruited under the scheme are called Agniveers.

“One Agniveer lost his life in a landmine blast but he is not called a ‘martyr’. I call him a martyr but the government of India does not call him a martyr. PM Modi does not call him a martyr. He calls him an Agniveer. His family will not get a pension. They won’t get a compensation. He won’t be called a martyr. His people won’t get a pension. They won’t get a compensation. Agniveer is use and throw like a labourer,” said Mr Gandhi, dressed in his trademark T-shirt and trousers.

Under the scheme, youngsters in the 17.5 years-21 years age group are inducted for a four-year period. There is a provision to retain 25 per cent of these recruits for 15 more years. The remaining will be given a financial package as their service comes to an end. 

The short-term service plan in the armed forces had triggered violent protests in several parts of the country.

“Ek Jawan aur doosre jawaan ke beech main phoot daalte ho, ki ek ko pension milega, ek ko shaheed ka darja milega aur doosre ko nahi milega. Aur apne aap ko deskhbhakt kehte ho (You are creating a divide between soldiers. One will get the name of a martyr, while one will not (the Agniveer). One will get the pension, while the other will not (the Agniveer). An Agniveer is not called a jawan. And then you call yourself a patriot,” said Mr Gandhi, suggesting there are two classes of soldiers. 

Objecting to LoP Rahul Gandhi’s statement, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh says, “He Rahul Gandhi) should not try to mislead the House by making wrong statements. Financial assistance of Rs one crore is given to the family of the Agniveer who sacrifices his life while protecting… https://t.co/gJLaQLFdiO

— ANI (@ANI) July 1, 2024

At this point, Rajnath Singh, seated between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah, stood up to oppose. 

“He (Rahul Gandhi) should not try to mislead the House by making wrong statements. Financial assistance of Rs one crore is given to the family of the Agniveer who sacrifices his life while protecting our borders or during war,” said the Defence Minister.

“Galat nahi hai, sir; galat nahi hai, sir (I am not wrong, sir; I am not wrong, sir),” protested Mr Gandhi.

Mr Gandhi used both compensation and pension in his speech and while replying Mr Singh used the word compensation.

“Regarding the Agniveer scheme, direct communication was established with many people, 158 organizations, their suggestions were taken, then this Agniveer scheme has been brought. This scheme has been brought after a lot of thought,” Mr Singh said. 

Under the existing provisions, families of Agniveers who die in the line of duty are not eligible for regular benefits like pension.

In an interview to NDTV before the polls, Mr Singh underlined that “one of the factors behind starting this scheme is to bring more young people into the armed forces”. 

The Congress has argued that the scheme will leave Agniveers unemployed at the age of 25. It also said that it affect cohesion in the forces as short-term recruits serve alongside soldiers eligible for secure pensions and more generous allowances.

They Centre maintains that a good financial package to Agniveers at the end of their four-year service will give them a good head start, besides the unique experience of working in the forces.

Families of Agniveers dying in the line of duty should get the same benefits that are extended to those of regular military personnel, a parliamentary panel recommended in February.

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Indian Army’s Fire and Fury Corps carry the mortal remains of Agniveer Gawate Akshay Laxman, an operator who lost his life in the service of duty amid the treacherous terrains of the Siachen glacier, during the wreath-laying ceremony, on October 22, 2023
| Photo Credit: ANI

Expressing support for the bereaved family of Agniveer Gawate Akshay Laxman, the Indian Army on Sunday sought to clear the air on compensation to the next of kin, saying that the same is ” governed by the relevant terms & conditions of service of the soldier”. Agniveer Laxman laid down his life in the line of duty in Siachen, the Army posted from its X handle on Sunday

The Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADG PI), IHQ of MoD (Army) stated that “in view of conflicting messages on social media regarding financial assistance to the Next of Kin of the deceased, it was important to clarify that emoluments due to the Next of Kin were governed by the relevant terms and conditions of service of the soldier”.

“As per the terms of engagement of Agniveers, emoluments authorised to a deceased battle casualty will comprise : Non-contributory insurance sum, amounting to Rs 48 lakh. Seva Nidhi contributed by the Agniveer (30%), with equal matching contribution by the Govt, and interest thereon. Ex-gratia of Rs 44 lakh. Pay of balance tenure from date of death till completion of four years (more than Rs 13 lakh in the instant case). Contribution of Rs 8 lakh from the Armed Forces Battle Casualty Fund. Immediate financial assistance of Rs 30 thousand from Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA),” the ADG PI wrote.

Earlier, on Sunday, the Army paid tribute to the fallen Agniveer, an operator who lost his life in the terrains of the Siachen glacier. Offering its condolences to the kin, the Army’s Fire and Fury Corps posted on X, “Quartered in snow silent to remain, when the bugle calls, they shall rise and march again. All ranks of Fire and Fury Corps salute the supreme sacrifice of Agniveer (Operator) Gawate Akshay Laxman, in the line of duty, in the unforgiving heights of Siachen, and offer deepest condolences to the family.”

New Delhi:

An Agniveer died in the line of duty in Siachen, the Army’s Leh-headquartered Fire and Fury Corps said on Sunday. Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande and all ranks of the force condoled the death of Agniveer, Gawate Akshay Laxman, who hailed from Maharashtra.

The Siachen glacier at the height of around 20,000 feet in the Karakoram range is known as the highest militarised zone in the world where the soldiers have to battle frostbite and high winds.

The exact details of Laxman’s death are not immediately known.

“Quartered in snow silent to remain, when the bugle calls they shall rise and march again,” the Fire and Fury Corps said on ‘X’.

Quartered in snow silent to remain, when the bugle calls they shall rise and march again

All ranks of Fire and Fury Corps salute the supreme sacrifice of #Agniveer (Operator) Gawate Akshay Laxman, in the line of duty, in the unforgiving heights of #Siachen and offer deepest… pic.twitter.com/1Qo1izqr1U

— @firefurycorps_IA (@firefurycorps) October 22, 2023

“All ranks of Fire and Fury Corps salute the supreme sacrifice of #Agniveer (Operator) Gawate Akshay Laxman, in the line of duty, in the unforgiving heights of #Siachen and offer deepest condolences to the family,” it said.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Ensure their proper deployment or send them home, underscored Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann as he visited the family of 19-year-old Agniveer who died in Jammu and Kashmir last week, amid a row over the Army not according a military funeral to the soldier.

The death of Agniveer Amritpal Singh was a case of suicide, the army had said Sunday, adding that military honours were not extended to his funeral as deaths arising out of self-inflicted injuries are not given such honours.

Bhagwant Mann, as promised, visited the family of the Agniveer in Kotli Kalan village in Mansa district and handed them a cheque of Rs one crore compensation and assured them of “all possible support”.

“Either ensure their proper deployment or send them home. Courageous soldiers should never resort to suicide,” said Mr Mann, adding that a statue in the memory of the soldier would also be installed in his village.

ਦੇਸ਼ ਦੇ ਪਹਿਲੇ ਅਗਨੀਵੀਰ ਸ਼ਹੀਦ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤਪਾਲ ਸਿੰਘ ਦੇ ਘਰ ਕੋਟਲੀ ਕਲਾਂ ਪਹੁੰਚ ਕੇ ਪਰਿਵਾਰ ਨਾਲ ਦੁੱਖ ਵੰਡਾਇਆ ਤੇ ਸ਼ਹੀਦ ਜਵਾਨ ਨੂੰ ਸ਼ਰਧਾਂਜਲੀ ਭੇਂਟ ਕੀਤੀ…ਬੜੇ ਦੁੱਖ ਦੀ ਗੱਲ ਹੈ ਫੌਜ ਦੀ ਵਰਦੀ ਪਵਾ ਕੇ ਕੇਂਦਰ ਸਰਕਾਰ ਸ਼ਹੀਦ ਜਵਾਨ ਨੂੰ ਸ਼ਹੀਦ ਨੀ ਮੰਨ ਰਹੀ…ਪਰ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਸਰਕਾਰ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਦੇ ਮਾਣਮੱਤੇ ਸ਼ਹੀਦ ਜਵਾਨਾਂ ਨਾਲ ਕੋਈ ਵੀ ਵਿਤਕਰਾ ਨੀ… pic.twitter.com/iVtq3eMSvO

— Bhagwant Mann (@BhagwantMann) October 16, 2023

A courageous soldier who embarks on a duty with the commitment to lay down his life for the country can never die by suicide, said Mr Mann.

“It is more than an insult saying that he died by suicide. He was taking care of his entire family,” said Mr Mann, adding, “a person who opts for the Army does not die by suicide”.

Strongly opposing the Agniveer scheme, Mr Mann said it was an insult to the contribution of the brave soldiers and the Central government should reconsider it.

He said that jobs of army personnel recruited under the Agniveer scheme should be regularized.

Slamming the Central government for giving a “step-motherly” treatment to the soldier, he said it is shameful that the Centre adopted an “apathetic” attitude towards the valiant son of the country.

New Delhi:

The death of Agniveer Amritpal Singh was a case of suicide, the army has said amid a huge row in Punjab over the lack of a guard of honour at his funeral. It also admitted to “some misunderstanding and misrepresentation of facts” related to his death.

Amritpal Singh had died during sentry duty in Rajouri Sector, due to a self-inflicted gunshot injury on October 11, the army said earlier. A court of inquiry is working to ascertain more details, it had said.  

“It is a grave loss to the family and the Indian Army that Agniveer Amritpal Singh had shot himself,” the army said on Sunday. “Armed Forces do not differentiate between the soldiers who joined prior to or after implementation of the Agnipath Scheme as regards entitled benefits and protocols,” read a statement by the army.

Amid opposition protests yesterday over the lack of Guard of Honour, the army said, “The cause of death being a self-inflicted injury, no guard of honour or military funeral was provided, in accordance with the existing policy”.

“Unfortunate instances of death arising out of suicide/ self-inflicted injury, irrespective of the type of entry, are accorded due respect by the Armed Forces along with deep and enduring empathy with the family.  Such cases, however, are not entitled Military Funerals as per the extant Army Order of 1967,” the army has now reiterated.

Data shows on an average, 100 to 140 soldiers have died every year since 2001 by suicide or self-inflicted injuries. In such cases, military funeral is not accorded but the family is given financial assistance as per entitlement, it added.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, yesterday, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said whatever the army policy, his government’s policy will remain the same for a martyr and it will give Rs 1 crore to the family of the soldier.