The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defense recommended that equal benefits be provided to the families of Agnivir, similar to those provided to the families of martyred regular soldiers. The proposal comes after intense discussion and debate on the issue on social media. The committee’s report was submitted to the Federal Council on February 8.

The committee in its 47th report discussed and recommended the functioning of the Zila Sainik Board in the country. These committees are responsible for resettlement and welfare schemes for ex-servicemen, widows and their dependents residing in their respective areas. In the same context, questions were raised about the “rehabilitation” of the Agnivers and the “discrimination” between ordinary soldiers and the status of “martyrs” among the Agnivers.

“Employment for people in Agniville is insecure”

The committee highlighted the lack of dedicated employment or skill development initiatives for Agnivir members, apart from limited reservations in the Central Armed Police Forces. To address this issue, members recommended that outgoing service members should be informed personally about vacancies and ensure they have the opportunity to apply for the required tests, thus minimizing the number of vacancies.

Discrimination between Agnivers and ordinary soldiers

At a meeting held in December 2023, the Standing Committee on Defense raised several views and questions. These include reservation of vacancies for Agnivirs, discrimination of ‘martyr’ status between ordinary soldiers and Agnivirs, benefits provided to Agnivirs in central and state government schemes, etc.

After getting clarification from officials, the members recommended that the family members of Agnivel should be provided with the same benefits as the families of ordinary soldiers after his martyrdom.

Agniveers Current Strengths

Currently, the Agneepath scheme provides different categories of benefits for disability or death. Fatalities are classified into X, Y and Z categories, depending on the circumstances and nature of the incident.

For persons with disabilities, the beneficiaries will receive ex-gratia payment, full salary for the remaining period and support from Seva Nidhi Fund. Specifically, in the case of death, the beneficiary will get an insurance payout of Rs 48 lakh and an ex-gratia amount of Rs 400,000 in case of death while performing bona fide duties for Category Y and Z, along with full salary for the remaining period of service . Y and Z categories, and assistance from Seva Nidhi Fund.

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