The parents of Captain Anshuman Singh, who died during a fire incident in Siachen in July last year, have demanded 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 claimed that their daughter-in-law Smriti Singh left their home and now receives most of the entitlements after their son’s death. Mr Singh said the only thing left with them is a photo of their son “hanging on the wall”.
“The criteria set to 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.
“That is why we want that the definition of NOK be fixed. It should be decided that if the wife of the martyr stays in the family, who has how much dependency,” he added.
Captain Singh’s mother said they want the government to revisit the NOK rules so that other parents don’t have to suffer.
What are the NOK rules?
Next of kin rule to a person’s closest relatives or legal representatives. The rules of the Army say that if something happens to a person in service, the ex-gratia amount is given to NOK. In simple language, it is just like a nominee in a bank.
When a cadet or officer joins the Army, his parents or guardians’ names are recorded in the NOK. When that cadet or officer gets married, under Army rules, the name of the person’s spouse is recorded as the person’s next of kin instead of the parents.
Captain Singh was posted with 26 Punjab as a medical officer in the Siachen Glacier area. On July 19, 2023, a short circuit led to a fire in an Indian Army ammunition dump around 3 am. Captain Singh saw a fibreglass hut engulfed in flames and immediately acted to save those trapped inside. He successfully rescued four to five individuals, however, the fire soon spread to a nearby medical investigation room.
Captain Singh went back into the blazing structure. Despite his efforts, he could not escape the inferno and was trapped inside before dying.
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.
The Incident and the Aftermath
Captain Anshuman Singh, a valiant officer of the Indian Army, was killed in action during a counter-terrorism operation in Jammu and Kashmir. His bravery and sacrifice were hailed across the nation, and he was posthumously awarded for his gallantry. However, amidst the tributes and honors, his family encountered bureaucratic challenges that added to their grief.
According to current military protocol, the benefits, compensations, and honors due to a deceased soldier are directed to the “Next of Kin” as per the records maintained by the armed forces. In Captain Singh’s case, the official record listed his wife as the Next of Kin. This designation has led to a contentious and painful dispute within the family regarding the rightful recipient of various entitlements.
The Core Issue: Next of Kin Rule
The “Next of Kin” rule, as it stands, assigns a singular primary beneficiary for all compensations and honors. This beneficiary is usually determined at the time of enlistment or during service updates and is typically the spouse, followed by children, parents, and siblings, in that order. While the rule aims to streamline the process of providing benefits to the soldier’s family, it often overlooks the nuanced realities of familial relationships and the diverse nature of family structures.
Captain Singh’s parents argue that the rule is excessively rigid and fails to accommodate the intricacies of modern family life. They highlight the following key points:
- Complex Family Dynamics: Modern families can be complex, with multiple dependents and varying degrees of contribution and support among family members. The current rule does not account for situations where parents, siblings, or other relatives might have played a significant role in the soldier’s life or have substantial needs that should be considered.
- Updated Designations: Soldiers often designate their Next of Kin at a young age, and these designations might not reflect their current family dynamics or relationships. Regular updates and the opportunity to revise the Next of Kin more frequently could ensure the designation is accurate and fair.
- Equitable Distribution: The current rule does not allow for the equitable distribution of benefits among multiple deserving family members. This can lead to financial and emotional distress for those who might have depended on the deceased soldier or contributed significantly to their welfare.
Personal Plea from Captain Singh’s Parents
Captain Singh’s parents, Mr. Rajendra Singh and Mrs. Meena Singh, have become the faces of this movement for change. In an emotional plea to the authorities, they recounted their son’s dedication to his country and the sacrifice he made. They also shared their personal anguish, feeling sidelined in the aftermath of their son’s death.
Mrs. Meena Singh tearfully described how she and her husband had supported Anshuman throughout his life and career, only to be left out of the considerations when it mattered the most. Mr. Rajendra Singh emphasized the need for a more compassionate approach that recognizes the contributions and needs of all family members.
Demand for Policy Revision
The Singhs are not alone in their quest. Many families of soldiers have expressed similar grievances, urging the government and military authorities to revise the Next of Kin rule. They propose the following changes:
- Periodic Review and Update of Next of Kin: Implementing a system where soldiers can periodically review and update their Next of Kin designation to reflect changes in their personal lives.
- Consideration of Multiple Beneficiaries: Allowing for the designation of multiple beneficiaries and the proportional distribution of benefits based on the soldier’s wishes and the needs of the family.
- Comprehensive Counseling and Guidance: Providing soldiers with comprehensive counseling to understand the implications of their Next of Kin designations and to make informed decisions that consider all aspects of their family dynamics.
- Appeals and Mediation: Establishing a formal process for families to appeal and seek mediation in cases where the Next of Kin designation might not fairly represent the soldier’s family situation.
Conclusion
The tragic loss of Captain Anshuman Singh has highlighted a significant issue within the armed forces’ administrative framework. As his parents continue their fight for justice, their voices echo a larger call for empathy, fairness, and modernization of policies that profoundly affect the lives of those who serve and their loved ones. Revising the Next of Kin rule is not just a bureaucratic necessity but a moral imperative to honor the sacrifices of soldiers and ensure their families are treated with the respect and consideration they deserve.
