SCHEME:AGNIPATH

SARASIJ MAJUMDER

 

A. ORIGINAL SCHEME:

The 'AGNIPATH' scheme opens the way for recruitment of about 45,000 soldiers into Army, Navy and Air Force in the first year but on a short-term contract of four years. After the completion of the contract, 25% of them will be retained and the rest will leave the forces.

It allows patriotic and motivated youth to serve in the Armed Forces for a period of four years.

Under this scheme, the youth joining the army will be called AGNIVEER. Youth will be able to be recruited into the army for a short duration.

Around 45,000 to 50,000 soldiers will be recruited annually, and majority will leave the service in just four years.

However, after four years, only 25% of the batch will be recruited back into their respective services, for a period of 15 more years.

Eligibility Criteria:

It is only for personnel below officer ranks (those who do not join the forces as commissioned officers).

Commissioned officers are the army's highest ranked officers.

Commissioned officers hold an exclusive rank in the Indian armed forces. They often hold a commission under the president's sovereign power and are officially instructed to protect the country.

Aspirants between the ages of 17.5 years and 21 years will be eligible to apply.

Objectives:

It aims at providing an opportunity to the patriotic and motivated youth with the ‘Josh’ and ‘Jazwa’ to join the Armed Forces.

It is expected to bring down the average age profile of the Indian Armed Forces by about 4 to 5 years.

The scheme envisions that, the average age in the forces is 32 years today, which will go down to 26 in six to seven years.

Benefits for AGNIVEERS:

Upon the completion of the 4-years of service, a one-time ‘Seva Nidhi’ package of Rs 11.71 lakhs will be paid to the AGNIVEERS that will include their accrued interest thereon.

They will also get a Rs 48 lakh life insurance cover for the four years.

In case of death, the payout will be over Rs 1 crore, including pay for the unserved tenure.

The government will help rehabilitate soldiers who leave the services after four years. They will be provided with skill certificates and bridge courses.

B.  What are the Related Concerns?

(BASICALLY,  OPPOSITION PROPAGANDA)

After four years of service will mean other jobs will be out of reach after that, and they will be left behind our peers.

No Pension Benefit.

Training May Remain Unutilized.

The jawans joining the Army, Navy and Air Force will be given technical training so that they are able to support the ongoing operations. But these men and women will leave after four years, which may  create a  temporary void.

C.  What is the advantage of Such Step for the Country?

It will create “future-ready” soldiers.

It will increase employment opportunities and because of the skills and experience acquired during the four-year service retired AGNIVEERS will get employment in various fields.

This will also lead to availability of a higher-skilled workforce to the economy which will be helpful in productivity gain and overall GDP (Gross Domestic Product) growth.

D. Bharatiya Army has made few recommendations in AGNIPATH scheme, which will not only make Army strong, but will also take out wind from Opposition's Fake Propaganda.

🔥Increasing service period from 4 years to 7-8 years.

🔥Increasing eligibility age for AGNIVEERS in technical area up to 23 years.

🔥Ex-gratia for disability during training.

🔥Exit management to be handled by professional agencies to provide employment opportunities & guidance to AGNIVEERS.

🔥Subsistence allowance to family if an AGNIVEER meets death during war.

Th above provide more stability to Armed Forces as well as, will take care of future of AGNIVEERS & their families.

E..As per the reports available,  NDA government is planning some major amendments in AGNIVEER Scheme which was introduced by Modi government.

These major changes include:

• Service period may be increased from 4 year to 7 year.

• Retention of regular troops may be increased up to  60% ( Which was maximum 25% earlier)

• The proposed changes also suggest retention up to 75% for technical and specialist soldiers, including those in signals, air defence, and engineering.

• Higher induction age for Technical Services to 23 years. Currently, the age bracket for recruitment is between 17.5 and 21 years.