The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence has recommended extending equivalent benefits to the family members of Agniveers, similar to those provided to the families of regular soldiers following martyrdom. This proposal comes after heightened social media discussions and debates on the issue. The committee report was tabled in the Rajya Sabha on February 8.
The committee, in its 47th report, has discussed and recommended the functioning of Zila Sainik Boards in the country. These boards are responsible for resettlement and welfare schemes for ex-servicemen, widows, and their dependents residing in their respective areas. In the same context, queries were raised regarding the ‘Rehabilitation of Agniveers’ and the “discrimination” in the status of ‘martyrs’ between regular soldiers and Agniveers.
‘No Assured Employment For Agniveers’
The committee highlighted the lack of dedicated employment or skill development initiatives for Agniveer members, aside from limited reservation in Central Armed Police Forces. To address this, the members suggest that outgoing service members should be personally informed about job vacancies, ensuring they have the opportunity to apply for required tests, minimizing unfilled positions.
Discrimination Between Agniveers and Regular Soldiers
In a meeting held in December 2023, the Standing Committee on Defence raised several points and queries. This included reservation of vacancies for Agniveers, discrimination in the status of ‘martyrs’ between regular soldiers and Agniveers, benefits for Agniveers in central and state government schemes, and several others.
After getting clarification from officials, members have recommended that after the martyrdom of an Agniveer, the same benefits should be provided to their family members as those provided to the family of a regular soldier.
Current Benefits for Agniveers
Currently, the Agneepath scheme offers different categories of compensation for disability or death. In the event of death, there are X, Y, and Z categories, determined by the circumstances and nature of the incident.
For disabilities, recipients receive an ex-gratia payment, full pay for the remaining period, and support from the Seva Nidhi Fund. Specifically, in cases of death, beneficiaries receive Rs 48 lakh insurance pay-out, an ex-gratia amount of Rs 4 lakh in the Y and Z categories for deaths occurring during engagement in bona fide duty, full pay for the remaining service period in the Y and Z categories, and assistance from the Seva Nidhi fund.
In the X category, which is death during the engagement period (not on duty), all benefits except ex-gratia and pay for the remaining period, are given.
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