"Anshuman's wife doesn't live with us now..." Kriti Chakra awardee captain Anshuman Singh's parents question the "Next of Kin" rule

Digital Desk: The parents of Captain Anshuman Singh, who died in a fire incident in Siachen in July last year, are calling for changes in the Indian Army's next of kin (NOK) criteria for financial assistance. Ravi Pratap Singh and his wife Manju Singh, speaking to TV9 Bharatvarsh, revealed their distress over the current NOK rules, which have left them feeling abandoned after their son's death.

Captain Singh, a medical officer with 26 Punjab, tragically lost his life on July 19, 2023, while attempting to save others during a fire caused by a short circuit in an Indian Army ammunition dump. His bravery earned him a posthumous Kirti Chakra, India’s second-highest gallantry award, presented by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on July 5.

Ravi Pratap Singh and Manju Singh expressed their heartbreak over the situation with their daughter-in-law, Smriti Singh, who they claim left their home shortly after their son's death and now receives most of the entitlements meant for the deceased's family. "The only thing left with us is a photo of our son hanging on the wall," Mr. Singh lamented.

Mr. Singh criticized the current NOK criteria, which designate the spouse as the primary recipient of financial assistance and benefits, replacing the parents once a soldier is married. "The criteria set for NOK is not correct. I have 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 the news channel.

He urged the government to reconsider and amend the NOK rules, arguing that the definition should include provisions for the parents' dependency, especially in cases where the spouse no longer resides with the family. Captain Singh's mother echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for policy changes to prevent other parents from experiencing similar anguish.

The current NOK rules in the Indian Army designate a soldier’s closest relatives or legal representatives as the recipients of financial assistance in the event of their death. Initially, a cadet or officer's parents or guardians are recorded as the NOK. However, once they marry, the spouse's name replaces the parents' in the official records. This policy ensures that the ex-gratia amount and other benefits are directed to the spouse, assuming they are the primary dependent.

Captain Anshuman Singh's parents believe this rule is unfair in certain circumstances and are advocating for a more inclusive approach that considers the parents' dependency. Their plea for a revision of the NOK criteria underscores the need for a compassionate and comprehensive policy that supports all family members left behind by the fallen heroes of the nation.