Misleading Claim:
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi disseminated false information regarding the Agniveer scheme recruits’ lack of gratuity, pension, or other military benefits following Agniveer Gavate Akshay Laxman’s martyrdom in Siachen.
Rahul Gandhi (“@RahulGandhi“) shared his deepest condolences with great sadness after Agniveer Gavate Akshay Laxman’s martyrdom in Siachen. He added the young man gave his life in defence of the nation; he received no pension for his martyrdom, no gratuity, and no other military benefits while serving. Sarcastically, he added that there is always a plan to insult the India’s heroes. The tweet was made on Oct 22,2023. The post went viral and reached to 2.7M user accounts.
सियाचिन में, अग्निवीर गवाते अक्षय लक्ष्मण की शहादत का समाचार बहुत दुखद है। उनके परिवार को मेरी गहरी संवेदनाएं।
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) October 22, 2023
एक युवा देश के लिए शहीद हो गया – सेवा के समय न ग्रेच्युटी न अन्य सैन्य सुविधाएं, और शहादत में परिवार को पेंशन तक नहीं।
अग्निवीर, भारत के वीरों के अपमान की योजना है! pic.twitter.com/8LcQpZR9f2
Verified accounts on twitter, including Ayushi Shukla (“@ayushimirzapur“) tweeted “A young man was martyred for the country – no gratuity, no other military facilities during his service, and no pension to his family in martyrdom. Agniveer, there is a plan to insult the heroes of India!”. The archive can be read from above.
एक युवा देश के लिए शहीद हो गया – सेवा के समय न ग्रेच्युटी न अन्य सैन्य सुविधाएं, और शहादत में परिवार को पेंशन तक नहीं।
— Ayushi Shukla (@ayushimirzapur) October 22, 2023
अग्निवीर, भारत के वीरों के अपमान की योजना है! pic.twitter.com/vIJvojY1au
What is the Actual Truth about Agniveer Gavate Akshay Laxman’s Family benefits after his martyrdom ? : Fact
The truth is that, upon martyrdom, the family of an on-duty Agniveer will get the following benefits:
(i) A 48 lakh rupee insurance coverage.
(ii) A lump sum, ex-gratia, of Rs. 44 lakhs.
(iii) Full compensation, including the Seva Nidhi component, for an unsated period of up to four years.
(iv) Balance accumulated in the individual’s Seva Nidhi fund & Govt contribution, including interest from the Agniveer Corpus Fund.
It was further confirmed by the official website of JOIN INDIAN NAVY that Agniveers will be provided non-contributory life insurance cover of ₹ 48 lakh for the duration of their engagement period as Agniveers in the Indian Navy. The details of the Payment on Disability/Death in case of Agniveer is also shared clearly here.
ADG PI – INDIAN ARMY (“@adgpi“) clarified that in Siachen, Agniveer (Operator) Gawate Akshay Laxman gave his life while performing his duty. In this time of sorrow, the bereaved family has the support of the Indian Army. It also stated that it is vital to make clear that any emoluments owed to the deceased’s Next of Kin are subject to the applicable terms and conditions of service for the soldier, in light of contradictory statements on social media regarding financial support.
#Agniveer (Operator) Gawate Akshay Laxman laid down his life in the line of duty in #Siachen. #IndianArmy stands firm with the bereaved family in this hour of grief.
— ADG PI – INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) October 22, 2023
In view of conflicting messages on social media regarding financial assistance to the Next of Kin of the… pic.twitter.com/46SVfMbcjl
D-Intent’s Fact-Checking Results:
1243
— D-Intent Data (@dintentdata) October 22, 2023
ANALYSIS: Misleading
FACT: After the martyrdom of Agniveer Gavate Akshay Laxman in Siachen Congress leader Rahul Gandhi spread misleading news of no gratuity, no other military facilities or pension would be provided
after martyrdom to Agniveer scheme recruits. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/jpO6cS9evO
Intent:
In an attempt to use the Agniveer scheme as a narrative for the upcoming general election, politicians are spreading false information about it.
Conclusion:
Claim : Rahul Gandhi, the Congress leader spread false information following Agniveer Gavate Akshay Laxman’s martyrdom in Siachen, claiming that there would be no gratuity and that no further military benefits or pensions would be given.
Fact : In Siachen, Gawate Akshay Laxman gave his life while performing his duty. In this time of sorrow, the bereaved family has the support of the Indian Army and has received all the benefits with all the financial assistance.
