Agniveer’s Death in Siachen Triggers Pension Controversy

The recent death of Agniveer Akshay Laxman while on duty in Siachen glacier has ignited a debate around pension benefits for the families of soldiers recruited under the Agnipath scheme. Laxman died due to high-altitude medical complications on February 11, marking the first casualty among Agniveers since the short-term recruitment program began last year.

Agniveer (Operator) Gawate Akshay Laxman is the first Agniveer to have laid down his life in operations. He was deployed in the world’s highest battlefield Siachen glacier. pic.twitter.com/kLJlpZ7Ylk

— ANI (@ANI) October 22, 2023

Contents hide

1. Congress and Veterans Claim No Pension for Martyred Agniveers

2. Army Clarifies Agniveer Martyrs’ Kin Eligible for 1 Crore

3. BJP Hits Back at Rahul Gandhi for “Peddling Fake News”

4. Earlier Controversy Around Agniveer’s Military Funeral

Congress and Veterans Claim No Pension for Martyred Agniveers

Following Laxman’s death, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticized the Agnipath scheme as an “insult to the heroes of India,” claiming Agniveers’ families receive no pension after martyrdom.

Former veterans echoed similar sentiments on social media, pointing out Laxman’s family would not receive a regular military pension granted to regular soldiers. Air Vice Marshal Manmohan Bahadur (Retd.) was quoted saying if a regular jawan had died alongside Laxman in Siachen, his family would have received full pension benefits for the same service and sacrifice.

Also Read: Two Dead in Mumbai Building Fire, Rescue Operations Underway

Army Clarifies Agniveer Martyrs’ Kin Eligible for 1 Crore

Responding to the uproar, the Indian Army issued a statement clarifying the emoluments due to the next of kin of Agniveer battle casualties. As per Agnipath rules, Laxman’s family will receive:

Rs 48 lakh as insurance amount
Rs 44 lakh as compensation
30% of Agniveer’s Seva Nidhi contributions
Salary for remaining tenure period
Rs 8 lakh from Army Battle Casualties Fund
Immediate assistance of Rs 30,000 from Army Wives Welfare Association

The Army said this amounts to Rs 1.04 crore, countering claims of no pension for martyred Agniveers.

#Agniveer (Operator) Gawate Akshay Laxman laid down his life in the line of duty in #Siachen. #IndianArmy stands firm with the bereaved family in this hour of grief.

In view of conflicting messages on social media regarding financial assistance to the Next of Kin of the… pic.twitter.com/46SVfMbcjl

— ADG PI – INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) October 22, 2023

Also Read: Father Organises ‘Baarat’ to Welcome Daughter Home After Divorce

BJP Hits Back at Rahul Gandhi for “Peddling Fake News”

BJP leader Amit Malviya slammed Rahul Gandhi for spreading misinformation and making irresponsible statements on the sensitive matter. He stated the Congress leader should verify facts before making claims and behave responsibly as an aspiring Prime Minister.

Earlier Controversy Around Agniveer’s Military Funeral

In October 2022, the death of Agniveer Amritpal Singh by suicide had also sparked controversy when he was denied a full military funeral. The Army defended the decision based on its 1967 order that suicides do not qualify for military funerals, irrespective of entry type. Officials stated this rule applies equally to all soldiers including Agniveers.

The pension debate reflects the ongoing contention around the Agnipath recruitment scheme since its launch in 2022. While the Army has clarified the financial benefits entitled to martyred Agniveers, concerns remain among veterans over the denial of a regular pension to short-term recruits under the scheme. The government maintains Agnipath is an urgently needed reform to reduce the Army’s pension burden in the coming years.

Also Read: Legendary Indian Spinner Bishan Singh Bedi Passes Away at 77