Should NOK Rules Be Revised? Cap Anshuman

Post By- Sakshi Srivastava

What is NOK in Indian Army?

The Indian Army’s Next of Kin (NOK) policy determines the primary recipient of financial and other benefits in the event of a soldier’s death. When a person joins the Army, their parents or guardians are initially designated as the NOK. However, upon marriage, the spouse’s name replaces the parents’ as the NOK under the existing rules. This can create challenges if the spouse no longer lives with the soldier’s parents after their passing, as the spouse then receives the majority of the entitlements.

Who was Captain Anshuman Singh?

Captain Anshuman Singh was a young Army doctor who tragically lost his life in the line of duty. In July 2023, the 23-year-old officer heroically sacrificed himself to save his fellow soldiers from a fire that broke out at the Siachen glacier. For his immense bravery and selflessness, Captain Singh was posthumously awarded the Kirti Chakra, India’s second-highest peacetime gallantry decoration. During a solemn ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan, the prestigious decoration was presented to Captain Singh’s mother, Manju Singh, and his wife, Smriti Singh, by Hon. President Droupadi Murmu.

Why Captain Anshuman Singh's Parents Asked the Government to Revisit NOK Rules?

In a heartfelt interview, Captain Anshuman Singh’s parents, Ravi Pratap Singh and Manju Singh, expressed their concerns over the Indian Army’s Next of Kin (NOK) policy and demanded changes to ensure equitable treatment for all dependents of deceased soldiers. The grieving parents claimed that their daughter-in-law, Smriti Singh, no longer resides with them, yet she continues to receive the majority of the entitlements following their son’s tragic demise. Ravi Pratap Singh stated, “The criteria set to NOK is not correct. Anshuman’s wife doesn’t live with us now; the marriage was just five months old and there is no child.”

They argued that the current NOK policy should be revised to provide fair and appropriate support, stating, “It should be decided that if the wife of the martyr stays in the family, who has how much dependency.” Manju Singh emphasized the urgent need for the government to re-evaluate the NOK rules to prevent future hardships for parents and other dependents of fallen soldiers.

The bereaved parents mentioned that they have spoken to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi about this issue, seeking a revision of the NOK policy. They hope their efforts will lead to a more considerate system that accounts for the unique circumstances of each grieving household and ensures equitable treatment for all those who have sacrificed for the nation.

Rahul Gandhi's Promise of Action:

After listening to the parents’ concerns, Rahul Gandhi assured them that he would take action on the issue of revising the NOK rules. He promised to work with the Defence Minister to address the problems faced by the parents and make necessary changes to the NOK criteria.

Potential Impact:

If Rahul Gandhi follows through on his promise and works with the government to revise the NOK rules, it could lead to a more inclusive and supportive system for the families of fallen soldiers. The changes could ensure that the parents of soldiers are also recognized and provided for, even in cases where the spouse does not remain with the family.