Has the government opened a bank account for Army modernization? PIB clarifies
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What is the purpose of Armed Forces Battle Casualties Welfare Fund (AFBCWF)
A viral WhatsApp message is circulating on social media, claiming that the government has opened a bank account to collect funds for the modernization of the Indian Army, including for the purchase of weapons and equipment. The Press Information Bureau's Fact Check ( PIB Fact Check ) clarified that this viral message was fake and said this claim is misleading, and citizens are advised not to fall for such misinformation.The bank account referred to in the message is linked to the Armed Forces Battle Casualties Welfare Fund (AFBCWF), which serves a completely different purpose.Also read: Is the government rewarding taxpayers? Here is a fact check According to the PIB Fact Check social media post on June 14, 2025, 'A WhatsApp message is going around claiming that government has opened a bank account for the modernization of the Indian Army. This claim is MISLEADING. The bank account mentioned in the message is NOT meant for modernization of Indian Army or for purchase of weapons.'The AFBCWF was created to provide immediate financial assistance to the families of soldiers who have been martyred or seriously injured during military operations. It acts as a welfare measure to support bereaved or distressed families of armed forces personnel and has nothing to do with military modernization or procurement.Is there a new government scheme offering earnings of Rs 10,000 per day? PIB clarifiesAlso read: The government has initiated several welfare schemes for soldiers killed or disabled during active combat operations According to the PIB release on April 27, 2025, 'In 2020, Government instituted 'Armed Forces Battle Casualty Welfare Fund (AFBCWF)' which is utilised for grant of immediate financial assistance to the families of soldiers/sailors/airmen who lay down their lives or get grievously injured in active 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 in the account of the Armed Forces Battle Casualties Welfare Fund.'The viral message misrepresents the purpose of the AFBCWF and may mislead well-meaning citizens into donating with the wrong understanding. It is important to verify such claims through official government channels or trusted sources like PIBFactCheck before sharing or acting on them.
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