First Agniveer death: scheme slammed for no pension policy, army clarifies

Gawate Akshay Laxman, an Agniveer died due to "medical complications arising out of high-altitude conditions" in Siachen Glacier. He was the first Agniveer to die in the line of duty.

After his death, the Agniveer scheme faced criticism from various quarters as unlike regular soldiers, there will be no family pension or ex-servicemen benefits.

Following this, an Indian Army official issued a clarification saying that the deceased Agniveer's family will get ₹48 lakh non-contributory insurance and an ex gratia of ₹44 lakh among other monetary benefits.

"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 an equal matching contribution by the Govt, and interest thereon. Ex-gratia of Rs 44 lakh. Pay of balance tenure from the date of death till the 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 of the Indian Army wrote.

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