With the recruitment of troops under the Agnipath scheme set to commence, monetary compensation to Agniveers in case of disability or death is skewed as they will get much less than what regular soldiers are entitled to. The difference in compensation has been flagged to the military top brass. The fiscal burden in bridging the monetary gap between an Agniveer and a solder will not be much. With the government open to making corrections, the issue of disability to an Agniveer and compensation to his family in case of death is an important matter. It needs to be resolved as both will be called upon to face the enemy in adversity, say sources. In case of disability, an Agniveer — who will be recruited for four years — will get a one-time pay out depending upon his disability. This would vary from Rs 44 lakh for 100 per cent disability to Rs 15 lakh (the lowest one-time pay out) for 50 per cent or lesser disability. He will also get salary of the unserved period up to four years (with effect from the date of disability) and Rs 11.76 lakh partially self-contributory ‘Seva Nidhi’ fund. Compare this to a regular soldier who gets disabled. He is entitled to pension and an additional disability pension till he is alive, besides regular medical facility.

          Source: TNS