The parents of Captain Anshuman Singh, a posthumous recipient of the Kirti Chakra—India’s second-highest peacetime gallantry award—are calling for a revision in the Indian Army’s criteria for determining the next of kin (NOK) for financial assistance in the event of a soldier’s death. Captain Singh tragically lost his life while heroically saving his comrades from a fire in Siachen in July last year.
Ravi Pratap Singh and Manju Singh, Captain Singh’s parents, recently voiced their concerns to a news channel, emphasizing that their daughter-in-law, Smriti Singh, no longer lives with them but receives the majority of the entitlements following their son’s passing.
“The current NOK criteria are flawed,” said Ravi Pratap Singh in an interview with TV9 Bharatvarsh. “Anshuman’s wife doesn’t live with us anymore. Their marriage lasted just five months, and there is no child. We only have a photo of our son hanging on the wall with a garland on it. This is why the definition of NOK needs to be revised. It should take into account whether the wife of the martyr stays with the family and the extent of dependency each member has.”
Manju Singh echoed her husband’s sentiments, urging the government to reconsider the NOK rules to prevent other parents from experiencing similar hardships. The Singhs’ heartfelt plea highlights the need for a more nuanced approach in defining the next of kin, ensuring that all family members who depended on the deceased soldier receive fair and appropriate support.
Their story raises an important issue within military families and brings to light the emotional and financial struggles faced by the families of fallen soldiers. The Singhs hope that their efforts will lead to meaningful change and provide a more equitable solution for all bereaved families in the future.