The Ministry of Defence on Sunday warned people about a fake message circulating on WhatsApp. The message falsely claims that donations are being collected in a specific bank account for the modernisation of the Indian Army and to help soldiers who were injured or killed in action. It wrongly mentions a Cabinet decision and also names actor Akshay Kumar as the main supporter of the idea.
“The account details in the said message are wrong, leading to online donations getting dishonoured. People must remain cautious and not fall prey to such fraudulent messages,” the statement said.
The government has launched several welfare schemes to support soldiers who are killed or disabled during active combat. In 2020, it set up the ‘Armed Forces Battle Casualty Welfare Fund (AFBCWF)’, which provides immediate financial help to the families of soldiers, sailors, and airmen who lose their lives or suffer serious injuries during military operations.
The Indian Army, on behalf of the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, Ministry of Defence, maintains the accounts for the fund. Contribution can be made directly to the account of the Armed Forces Battle Casualties Welfare Fund.
Details of the bank accounts are given below:
1st Account: Fund Name Armed Forces Battle Casualties Welfare Fund
Bank Name: Canara Bank, South Block, Defence Headquarters, New Delhi – 110011
IFSC Code CNRB0019055
Account No 90552010165915
Type of A/c Saving
2nd Account: Fund Name Armed Forces Battle Casualties Welfare Fund
Bank Name: State Bank of India, Parliament Street, New Delhi – 110011
IFSC Code SBIN0000691
Account No 40650628094
Type of A/c Saving
The Defence Ministry’s statement said donations can also be made through a Demand Draft drawn in favour of AFBCWF payable at New Delhi, which may be sent by post to the following address:
Accounts Section
Adjutant General’s Branch
Ceremonial & Welfare Directorate
Room No 281-B, South Block
IHQ of MoD (Army), New Delhi – 110011