Agniveer Gawate Akshay Laxman death: Indian Army clears air on financial aid question amid Rahul Gandhi's ‘insult’ tweet

livemint.com:

Agniveer Gavate Akshay Laxman in Siachen is very sad. My deepest condolences to his family. 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 Congress leader said in a tweet. The issue has been brewing since the death of Gawate Akshay Laxman with many on social media posting about something similar. As the buzz around the issue increased, the Indian Army released a clarification mentioning the financial support that is being provided to the family of the brave Agniveer.

"As per the terms of engagement of Agniveers, emoluments authorised to a deceased battle casualty will comprise: Non-contributory insurance sum, amounting to ₹48 lakh. Seva Nidhi contributed by the Agniveer (30%), with equal matching contribution by the Govt, and interest thereon. Ex-gratia of ₹44 lakh.

Pay of balance tenure from date of death till completion of four years (more than ₹13 lakh in the instant case). Contribution of ₹8 lakh from the Armed Forces Battle Casualty Fund. Immediate financial assistance of ₹30 thousand from Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA)," the ADGPI wrote.

Following Rahul Gandhi's remarks, Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) was quick to hit back and slammed the Congress leader “for peddling fake news." “Absolute trash and irresponsible tweet. Agniveer Gawate Akshay Laxman has laid down his life in course of service and therefore is entitled to emoluments as a Battle Casualty. Accordingly, Laxman’s Next of Kin will receive the ₹48 lakh non contributory insurance, ex-gratia of ₹44 lakh, Seva Nidhi contributed by the Agniveer (30%), with an equal matching contribution by the