New Delhi:
Families of Agniveers who die in line of duty should be given the same benefits as those of regular military personnel, a parliamentary panel has recommended.
As per the existing provisions, families of Agniveers who die while in service are not eligible for regular benefits such as pension.
“Considering the plight of family members/next of kin, the committee wishes that after the martyrdom of an Agniveer, their family members should be provided with the same benefits as the family of an ordinary soldier,” the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defense said. in his latest report.
In June 2022, the government rolled out the Agnipath recruitment program for the short-term induction of staff with the aim of bringing down the age profile of the three services.
It provides for the recruitment of youth between the age range of 17, half and 21 years for four years, with a provision to retain 25 percent of them for another fifteen years.
The committee also recommended increasing the ex gratia amount given to families of soldiers who die in line of duty by Rs 10 lakh in each category.
The committee was informed by the Ministry of Defense that the ex gratia amount varies for different categories of death of the soldier.
Compensation of Rs 25 lakh will be granted in case of death due to accidents or acts of violence by terrorists and anti-social elements while discharging duties.
Compensation of Rs 35 lakh will be paid in case of death during border skirmishes and actions against militants, terrorists, extremists, sea pirates etc, the report said.
In addition, an amount of Rs 45 lakh will be granted as compensation in case of death during enemy acts of war, the report said.
“The committee would like to reiterate that the government should seriously consider increasing the ex gratia fund by Rs 10 lakh in each of the above categories. The minimum amount under each category will be Rs 35 lakh and the maximum Rs 55 lakh,” the committee said.
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