The parents of Captain Anshuman Singh, who tragically died during a fire incident in Siachen in July last year, have called for changes in the Indian Army’s next of kin (NOK) criteria for financial assistance to family members in case of a soldier’s death. Speaking to a news channel, Ravi Pratap Singh and his wife Manju Singh expressed their concerns, claiming that their daughter-in-law Smriti Singh left their home and now receives the majority of the entitlements following their son’s death. Mr. Singh lamented that the only thing they have left of their son is a photo “hanging on the wall.”
“The criteria set for NOK is not correct. I have also spoken to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh about this. Anshuman’s wife doesn’t live with us now, the marriage was just five months old and there is no child. We only have a photo of our son hanging on the wall with a garland on it,” Mr. Singh told said.
He added, “That is why we want the definition of NOK to be revised. It should be decided that if the wife of the martyr does not stay with the family, the dependency should be considered differently.”
Captain Anshuman Singh served as a medical officer with the 26 Punjab Regiment in the Siachen Glacier region, as part of Operation Meghdoot. On July 19, 2023, a short circuit triggered a fire in an Indian Army ammunition dump around 3 am. Upon seeing the fibreglass hut in flames, Captain Singh swiftly responded, managing to save four to five individuals before the fire spread to a nearby medical investigation room. Tragically, he re-entered the blazing structure in a heroic attempt to save others but was unable to escape the inferno and was trapped inside, ultimately succumbing to the fire.
He was awarded the Kirti Chakra, India’s second-highest gallantry award, posthumously. Captain Singh’s wife Smriti and mother received the award from President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on July 5. Despite the recognition, the family is now grappling with the emotional and financial ramifications of their loss.
The issue raised by Captain Singh’s parents highlights a broader concern about the Indian Army’s NOK criteria, which determine the distribution of financial assistance and benefits after a soldier’s death. Currently, the NOK is typically defined as the spouse, children, and parents of the deceased. However, the Singhs argue that this definition does not adequately address situations where the spouse is no longer living with the family, especially in cases of short marriages without children.
The parents’ plea to the Defence Minister and their public appeal underscore the need for a reassessment of the policies governing financial entitlements and support for families of fallen soldiers. They believe that a more nuanced approach is necessary to ensure fair and equitable distribution of benefits, taking into account the unique circumstances of each family.
As the nation honors the bravery and sacrifice of soldiers like Captain Anshuman Singh, his parents’ call for policy changes serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by the families left behind. It is a plea for not only recognition but also for practical support that aligns with their needs and contributions.
