Rajnath Singh Says Agniveer Martyrs’ Kin To Get Rs 1 Crore Compensation: Here's The Break-Up

Calling Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi’s attack on the Agneepath scheme “misinformation”, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said that the government provides Rs 1 crore compensation to the families of Agniveer martyrs.

“Agniveer is a use and throw labour. One jawan is getting a pension, while another is not. You are creating a divide between jawans,” Gandhi said in Parliament. “He (Rahul Gandhi) should not try to mislead the House by making wrong statements. Financial assistance of Rs 1 crore is given to the family of the Agniveer who sacrifices his life while protecting our borders or during war,” replied Singh.

According to the Agniveer scheme document, the compensation amount in case of death on duty is Rs 92 lakh and in case of death while not on duty is Rs 48 lakh.

Under the Agneepath scheme, Agniveers are recruited in the Indian Army for four years of service including the training period in the Indian Army, Air Force and Navy. After four years of service, 25 per cent of Agniveers are permanently recruited into the army.

THE COMPENSATION

Each Agniveer has a non-contributory life insurance cover of Rs 48 lakh.

In case of death during service, an additional ex-gratia amount of Rs 44 lakh is provided. Besides, the family also receives the amount deposited as service fund (Seva Nidhi), including interest and the government’s contribution.

In case of death not on duty, apart from the life insurance cover of Rs 48 lakh, the kin will get the balance accumulated as on date in the individual’s Seva Nidhi fund, including interest and the government’s contribution.

If an Agniveer becomes disabled during service, he gets compensation (Rs 44/25/15 lakh) based on the percentage of disability determined by the medical authorities. Also, full pay for unserved period upto four years with effect from the date of disability, including the Seva Nidhi component. He will also receive the balance accumulated as on date in the Seva Nidhi fund, including interest and the government’s contribution.

THE SALARY STRUCTURE

Agniveers get a package of around Rs 4.76 lakh in the first year. There is an increase of about Rs 6.92 lakh in the fourth year.

• First year: Rs 30,000 per month
• Second year: Rs 33,000 per month
• Third year: Rs 36,500 per month
• Fourth year: Rs 40,000 per month

Every Agniveer has to contribute 30 per cent of his monthly salary as service fund. An equal amount is contributed by the government.

This means, in the first year, an Agniveer will get Rs 21,900 in hand; second year, Rs 23,100; third year Rs 25,550 and fourth year, Rs 28,000.