In addition to these benefits, the family of the Agniveer will also receive pay for the remaining tenure from the date of death until completion of four years, which amounts to over Rs 13 lakh. Furthermore, the Armed Forces Battle Casualty Fund will contribute Rs 8 lakh to the family.
This announcement comes after Agniveer Gawate Akshay Laxman, an operator, lost his life while on duty in the challenging terrains of the Siachen glacier. Laxman, who hailed from Maharashtra, is the first Agniveer to have made the ultimate sacrifice in operations.
The Indian Army’s Fire and Fury Corps expressed its deepest condolences to the bereaved family. In a social media post, the Army stated that it stands in solidarity with the family during this difficult time.
“In view of conflicting messages on social media regarding financial assistance to the Next of Kin of the deceased, it is important to clarify that emoluments due to the Next of Kin are governed by the relevant terms & conditions of service of the soldier. As per the terms of engagement of Agniveers, emoluments authorised to a deceased Battle Casualty will comprise,” Indian Army said.
“General Manoj Pande COAS and All Ranks of the Indian Army salute the supreme sacrifice of Agniveer (Operator) Gawate Akshay Laxman, in the line of duty, in the unforgiving heights of Siachen. The Indian Army stands firm with the bereaved family in this hour of grief,” the Indian Army said in a message on its official account on X.