New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced the ‘Agnipath’ scheme to transform the country’s defence forces. Chiefs of the three defence forces were present on occasion. Through this scheme, the opportunity of four years of service in the Army, Navy and Air Force has been presented to the youth. Accordingly, 46,000 ‘Agniveers’ will be recruited for the three defence forces this year. They will be trained and inducted into the service of the defence forces. However, in doing so, the defence minister and the chief of the defence forces have assured that the defence forces will not compromise on their preparedness and ability to carry out operations.
In the next 90 days, the recruitment process of ‘Agniveers’ will begin. It is open to young people between the ages of 17.5 to 21 years. The medical and physical fitness criteria currently used for recruitment in the defence forces will be applied to ‘Agniveers’. Young men and women who have passed the 10th and 12th examinations will be eligible for this. These ‘Agniveers’ will get a monthly salary of around ₹30,000 in the first year out of four years of service. The monthly stipend will be ₹33,000 in the second year, ₹36,500 in the third year and ₹40,000 in the fourth year. Each Agniveer will get a ‘Seva Nidhi’ exit package of ₹11.71 lakh and will be exempted from income tax. However, the Agniveers will not be given any form of gratuity or pension. But if the Agniveers are martyred or permanently disabled while training or serving the country, they will get an insurance cover of around Rs one crore.
This will allow the country’s youth to serve in the defence forces. At the same time, an excellent career path will be made available to them. After four years of service, a decision to recruit Agniveers into permanent service will be taken as per the requirements and policies of the defence forces. The plan is not designed to cut down on the cost of the defence forces. On the contrary, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed confidence that the Agnipath scheme would be very beneficial in providing more skilled, competent manpower to the defence forces.
Having served in the defence forces for four years, these youngsters will face the challenges of their future lives more confidently. They will get better career opportunities. It will also provide quality skilled manpower to the defence forces. Therefore, the plan will bring about major changes in the defence forces, said the three defence chiefs, along with the defence minister.
However, some former army officers have reacted cautiously to the plan. The duration of training of Agniveers is concise. Retired military officers expressed concern that it could affect their skills and whether they could be used in war. Former military officers have also questioned the claims made about the opportunity for these Agniveers to get jobs elsewhere after four years of service. They also expressed concern that this could affect the current functioning and readiness of the defence forces.
However, under no circumstances will the defence forces compromise on their operational capabilities and preparedness during the implementation of the Agnipath scheme, said Army Chief General Manoj Pande. After 10th and 12th, youngsters can pursue further education, acquire skills and pursue a better career, or find a job directly. The Agnipath scheme will achieve all three at the same time. Moreover, discipline, motivation and skill to serve the nation will give the Agniveers a chance for a bright future, said Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, Chief of the Air Staff.
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