Agnipath Scheme

The government announced its new Agnipath Scheme for recruiting soldiers across the three services.

Around 45,000 to 50,000 soldiers will be recruited annually for a short period, and most will leave the service in just four years. Only 25 per cent of the total recruits will be allowed to continue for another 15 years under permanent commission.

Soldiers will be called ‘Agniveers’.

Eligibility –

• Aspirants between the ages of 17.5 years and 21 years will be eligible to apply.
• Applicable to personnel below the officer Rank.

Recruitment Process –

• Recruitment will be done twice a year through rallies. The recruitment will be done on “all India, all class” recruitment to the services
• From any caste, region, class or religious background.

Note – Currently recruitment is based on regiment system. (Region and caste basis)

Training Process –

• Training period will be 6 months + deployment for three and a half years.

Salary and Benefits –

• Salary will be Rs 30,000, along with additional benefits which will go up to Rs 40,000 by the end of the four-year service.
• During this period, 30 per cent of their salary will be saved under a Seva Nidhi programme, and the government will contribute an equal amount every month, and it will also follow interest.
• At the end of the four-year period, each soldier will get Rs 11.71 lakh as a lump sum amount, which will be tax-free.
• For 25% of re-selected soldiers, the initial four-year period will not be considered for retirement benefits.

• Benefits – The scheme will make the armed forces much leaner and younger.
• It will reduce the defence pension bill.
• It will Increase employment opportunities and higher skilled workforce.

Issues with the Scheme –

• The scheme will not provide permanent jobs or promised pension and health benefits even after retirement.
• 6 months of training Period is very short and may not be enough.
• “All India, all class” recruitment to the services may degrade the loyalty that a soldier has for his regiment.

Source – Indian Express