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No Plans to Reevaluate Policy Despite Agniveer’s Demise in Siachen Glacier

The recent deaths of two Agniveers have reignited discussions regarding the welfare measures provided to soldiers serving in the Indian Army through the Agniveer scheme. Despite this renewed debate, sources have indicated that the policy in question will remain unchanged. These sources have clarified that the government had established the policy for the induction and related benefits for youth serving under the scheme back in June of the previous year, and there are no ongoing talks to amend it.

Agniveer (Operator) Gawate Akshay Laxman lost his life in the line of duty in Siachen on October 22. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticized the scheme, noting that Laxman’s family would not receive gratuity, pension, or other benefits, which he considered an insult to soldiers. On October 11, the Indian Army faced public criticism for not granting a military funeral to Agniveer Amritpal Singh, who tragically passed away in Jammu. The Army later clarified that this decision was due to the fact that Singh’s death resulted from self-inflicted injuries, and their policy stipulates that no guard of honor is provided in cases of suicide. Concerning Agniveer Laxman, sources within the defense establishment confirmed that he would receive all the entitled benefits as per the terms of engagement for Agniveers in the event of a demise as a battle casualty. These benefits include a non-contributory insurance payout of Rs 48 lakh and an ex-gratia payment of Rs 44 lakh for the next of kin.

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