Mumbai, July 11: Parents of late Captain Anshuman Singh who died in the July 2023 Siachen fire, have sought revision of the set criteria for next of kin or NOK through which disbursement of pensionary and other entitlements to the next of kin takes place in cases of death in service. Captain Anshuman Singh's father Ravi Pratap Singh and mother Manju Singh said their daughter-in-law Smriti Singh has left their home without informing them, adding that she is receiving most of the pensionary and other entitlements after their son's demise. Speaking to TV9, they said the criteria of the NOK is not proper and the government should revisit it.

"When the NOK system was made, there used to be hatred for daughters-in-law. The scenario has completely changed today. A person is getting everything after five months of marriage. But a mother who carries the child for nine months in her womb. A father who takes care of his kid every time and sees him growing expects social security," Ravi Pratap told the TV9 reporter. "The pain felt by Anshuman's brother, sister and even wife will gradually decrease. But parents' sufferings will continue to rise with each passing day," the grieving father added. ‘Agniveer Scheme Should Be Scrapped’: Captain Anshuman Singh’s Mother Manju Singh After Meeting Rahul Gandhi (Watch Video).

NOK Criteria Questioned by Captain Anshuman Singh’s Father and Mother

Asked about financial assistance and other benefits, Ravi Pratap said the NOK will get what is meant for the NOK until the set procedure is not revised. "Of the financial assistance provided by the UP government, Smriti Singh got INR 35 lakh and we got INR 15 lakh. Money received through the Army Group Insurance was divided equally. Monetary allowance for the Kirti Chakra will go to her. Pension amount goes to her. We don't know how much exactly she has received as she no more considers us as her family," he said. Gallantry Awardee Army Officer Captain Anshuman Singh’s Wife Smriti Singh Recalls His Words ‘Won’t Die Ordinary Death’ After Receiving Kirti Chakra (Watch Videos).

Manju Singh said Smriti is receiving the money because a mother gave her son to the nation. "She said the government is giving, hence she is taking. A mother raised her son and gave him to the country. He was martyred and hence she is receiving. It did not happen in a vacuum," Manju Singh said.

Captain Anshuman Singh's Parents Narrate Their Ordeal

Captain Anshuman Singh was honoured with the Kirti Chakra posthumously by President Droupadi Murmu earlier this month. Singh, a Regimental Medical Officer with the 26th Battalion of the Punjab Regiment, lost his life in a fire at the Siachen Glacier on July 19, 2023. He had been married just five months prior and had arrived in Siachen only 15 days before the tragic incident.

Recently, Singh's mother Manju Singh demanded the scrapping of the Agniveer scheme after meeting Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in Uttar Pradesh's Rae Bareli on July 9.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 11, 2024 01:44 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).