CLAIM
A viral message claims that the Modi government has now launched a new scheme "exclusively" for battle casualties and weapon purchase.
The message reads:
*** 🙏Pay only Rs1/- (Ruppe one only)
Like never before, The Modi government has started a new scheme exclusively for Indian Army Battle Casualties and Weapon Purchase.
The government has opened bank account where people can donate funds directly to Army Welfare Account which will be used for purchasing weapons to the Indian Army and providing facilities for war casualties.
People had suggested Government to open bank account to collect funds exclusively for battle casualties and purchasing weapons for army, the Modi government has accepted the suggestion and opened an account in Syndicate Bank, New Delhi for the same. The most attractive feature of this scheme is, people can donate the smallest amount of ONE Rupee. Master Stroke by Modi Government
A country’s population of 130 crore of which even 100 crore people (70%) deposit One Rupee Each, the ministry will get 100 crores/day, 3000 crores/month and 36000 crores/year.
36,000 Crore which is greater than Pakistan’s total defence expenditure.
We spend hundreds and thousands of rupees on many unnecessary expenditure, but if we can spend ONE RUPEE on army, it can surely make India a SUPER POWER.
The money will directly reach the defence ministry for army benefit and war casualties. This is the most unique idea to help our army Jawans who have lost life in battle fields.
Come together, show solidarity to our DEFENCE FORCES, PARA MILITARY FORCE and CRPF.
JOIN THE MISSION TO MAKE INDIA A SUPER POWER!
Bank Details:
SYNDICATE BANK
A/C NAME: ARMY WELFARE FUND BATTLE CASUALTIES
A/C NO: 90552010165915
IFSC CODE: SYNB0009055
SOUTH EXTENSION BRANCH,NEW DELHI. ***
The message has been widely shared on all platforms.
A version of this message also claims that this scheme was launched on the recommendation on film actor Akshay Kumar.
TRUE OR FALSE?
This message is partly true. While there is an Army Battle Casualties Welfare Fund, it has not been set up to buy weapons as claimed by the message. And neither was it set up on the recommendation of Akshay Kumar.
However, the bank account details and the account name are correct.
The fund was set up in 2016 after the Siachen avalanche disaster, following which several members of the public expressed their interest in contributing financially towards the welfare of the soldiers' kin.
Soon after, an account with the name 'Army Welfare Fund Battle Casualties' was set up at the Syndicate Bank with the specified account number.
This was announced via the Army veterans official website, which stated that the donations received in the fund will be utilised to "pay financial assistance/grant to widows of battle casualties, their next of kins and dependents."
Similarly, Syndicate Bank too announced the initiative on their website.
MESSAGE VIRAL AFTER URI ATTACK AS WELL
The message also went viral after the Uri attack, claiming that the account had been set up for the purpose of buying weapons.
Incidentally, the ADGPI - Indian Army had taken to Twitter to issue a clarification regarding the fund only a few days ahead of the attack, stating that the account had been set up in the aftermath of the Siachen avalanche and will accept donations towards the welfare of the war widows and the martyrs' next of kin.
WHAT'S THE AKSHAY KUMAR CONNECTION?
In January 2017, Akshay Kumar was instrumental in setting up a website named 'bharatkeveer.gov.in', which accepted voluntary donations towards the welfare of martyrs' families.
The website was set up after Kumar took to Twitter, expressing his interest in wanting to honour the martyrs and their families.
With the support of the Home Affairs Ministry, Kumar then set up the website.
The website has also been updated with the names of the 40 martyrs from the Pulwama attack, encouraging citizens to donate towards the welfare of their kin.
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