Captain Anshuman Singh’s Parents Urge Revision of Army’s Next of Kin Policy to Support Martyrs’ Families

In a heartfelt plea, the parents of martyred Captain Anshuman Singh, who was posthumously awarded the Kirti Chakra, India’s second-highest peacetime gallantry honor, are calling for significant revisions to the Indian Army's 'next of kin' (NOK) policy. This policy currently dictates the allocation of financial assistance to the families of deceased army personnel, often leading to difficulties for parents like Ravi Pratap Singh and Manju Singh, whose late son's entitlements are directed primarily to his widow.

Captain Anshuman Singh tragically lost his life in a fire incident while on duty in Siachen in July last year. The young officer’s death left his family grappling not only with grief but also with the financial implications dictated by the current NOK policy. Under these rules, upon marriage, the spouse becomes the primary recipient of the deceased’s benefits, superseding the parents. This situation has left Anshuman’s parents with a photograph adorned with a garland, while their daughter-in-law, Smriti Singh, receives the bulk of the financial assistance.

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Calls for Policy Revisions

In an interview with TV9 Bharatvarsh, Ravi Pratap Singh and Manju Singh expressed their concerns and the need for the NOK policy to be revisited. Ravi Pratap Singh emphasized that the current criteria for NOK are not appropriate, especially in cases like theirs where the martyr’s spouse no longer resides with them. “Anshuman's wife does not live with us now…their marriage was only five months old, and they have no child. Though we are the co-recipients of his Kirti Chakra, we only have our son's photo hanging on the wall with a garland on it,” Ravi Pratap Singh lamented.

Ravi Pratap Singh has taken his concerns to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, advocating for a definition of NOK that includes stipulations for the martyr's spouse to reside with the family, especially when there are significant dependencies. He argues that this would prevent other parents from experiencing similar hardships and ensure that the families of martyrs are adequately supported.

Manju Singh echoed her husband’s sentiments, stressing the importance of policy changes to prevent future suffering for parents of martyrs. She believes that the current policy fails to recognize the sacrifices and needs of the parents who have lost their children in the service of the nation.

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Understanding the NOK Rules

The next of kin policy, as it stands, records the names of parents or guardians as the primary NOK when an individual joins the army. However, upon marriage, the spouse automatically replaces the parents in this record. This shift often leaves parents without adequate financial support in the event of their child's death, as seen in the case of Captain Anshuman Singh’s family.

The Singhs’ call for policy revision highlights a significant issue faced by many families of martyrs. They argue that the policy should be more inclusive and considerate of the parents’ sacrifices and needs. The financial assistance, they believe, should be distributed in a way that supports both the spouse and the parents, ensuring that all dependents are cared for adequately.

The Broader Implications

The plea by Captain Anshuman Singh’s parents is not just a personal request but a call for a broader, more empathetic approach to supporting the families of martyrs. By revising the NOK policy, the Indian Army can ensure that the parents of martyrs receive the necessary financial assistance and recognition for their sacrifices. This change would also acknowledge the emotional and financial struggles faced by the parents, who often lose their primary support system.

The Singhs' advocacy for change is a testament to their resilience and dedication to honoring their son’s memory. Their efforts aim to create a more supportive and fair system for all families who have sacrificed their loved ones in service to the nation.

In conclusion, the revision of the Indian Army's next of kin policy is crucial to ensure that all dependents, especially the parents of martyrs, receive the support and recognition they deserve. By addressing the concerns raised by Captain Anshuman Singh’s parents, the Indian Army can honor the sacrifices of all families and create a more just and compassionate system for those who have given so much for their country.

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