Defense Minister Rajnath Singh responded to Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi’s criticism of the Agnipath scheme, labeling it as “misinformation.” Singh emphasized that the government provides Rs 1 crore compensation to the families of Agniveers in case of death.
Rahul Gandhi had attacked the scheme in a speech, accusing it of discriminatory practices in compensation and pension for Agniveers. According to the scheme, the compensation for death on duty is Rs 92 lakh, and for death off duty, it is Rs 48 lakh.
The Agnipath scheme recruits Agniveers into the armed forces for a four-year term, including training in the army, air force, and navy. After this period, 25% of Agniveers are offered permanent positions.
Compensation Details:
- Agniveers have 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.
- The family also receives the service fund (Seva Nidhi), including interest and government contributions.
- For death not on duty, the kin receive the life insurance cover of Rs 48 lakh and the balance in the Seva Nidhi fund.
- If disabled during service, Agniveers receive compensation of Rs 44/25/15 lakh, based on the disability percentage, full pay for the unserved period up to four years, and the Seva Nidhi fund balance.
Salary Structure:
- 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
Each Agniveer contributes 30% of their monthly salary to the service fund, matched by the government. This results in an in-hand salary of Rs 21,900 in the first year, Rs 23,100 in the second year, Rs 25,550 in the third year, and Rs 28,000 in the fourth year.