The Agneepath scheme (Agnipath) is a scheme that was announced recently by the Indian government that intends to recruit Army, Navy and Airforce personnel.
Through the Agnipath recruitment program, everyone will get a chance to join the army now. The ones chosen for the program will be called Agniveers.
In this article, we will do a deep dive into Agneepath (Agnipath) scheme through various sections:
- Why this scheme has been designed
- Advantages of the Agneepath scheme
- Why is Indian youth protesting against the scheme
- Vacancies
- Time span
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Selection process
- Training
- What will Agneevers receive at end of training
- Leave
- Pay, allowances and Benefits
- Termination
- Compensation for death
Agneepath: Why This Scheme Has Been Designed
The Agneepath (Agnipath) scheme has been designed to enable a youthful profile of the Armed Forces. It will provide an opportunity to the youth who may be keen to don the uniform by attracting young talent from the society who are more in tune with contemporary technological trends and plough back skilled, disciplined and motivated manpower into the society. As for the Armed Forces, it will enhance the youthful profile of the Armed Forces and provide a fresh lease of ‘Josh’ and ‘Jazba’ whilst at the same time bring about a transformational shift towards a more tech savvy Armed Forces – which is indeed the need of the hour. It is envisaged that average age profile of Indian Armed forces would come down by about 4-5 years by implementation of this scheme. The nation stands to immensely benefit by infusion of highly inspired youth with deeper understanding of self-discipline, diligence and focus who would be adequately skilled and will be able to contribute in other sectors. The dividends of a short military service to the nation, society and the youth of the nation are immense. This includes inculcation of patriotism, team work, enhancement of physical fitness, ingrained loyalty for the country and availability of trained personnel to boost national security in times of external threats, internal threats and natural disasters.
Agneepath: Advantages Of Agneepath Scheme
The government, in its circular, mentions that:
· A transformative reform of recruitment policy of the Armed Forces.
· A unique opportunity to the youth to serve the country and contribute to Nation Building.
· Armed Forces profile to be youthful and dynamic.
· Attractive financial package for the Agniveers.
· Opportunity for Agniveers to train in the best institutions and enhance their skills & qualifications.
· Availability of well-disciplined and skilled youth with military ethos in civil society.
· Adequate re-employment opportunities for those returning to society and who could emerge as role models for the youth.
However, the scheme is being met with a lot of protests from the youth.
Why Is Indian Youth Protesting Against Agneepath (Agnipath) Scheme
1. No retirement benefits: Under the scheme, a one-time package of Rs. 11.71 lakh will be given to Agniveers once their four-year period ends. The scheme offers no gratuity or pensionary benefits. The people protesting the scheme say that since the Centre will take only 25% of Agniveers after four years, it harms their claim to monetary benefits.
2. Period of service: This has also angered the youth. People protesting are unhappy with the four-year period because hardly 25% will be absorbed in the end of the four-year tenure, which means an uncertain future for 75%. They also say that four years is a long time.
3. Many people also say the scheme has been introduced because the 2024 general elections are near. Unemployment numbers have been through the roof these past few years, and this scheme hardly solves the problem.
4. Sushant Singh, a Senior Fellow at the Center for Policy Research, writes that the scheme seems not to have met the approval in its entirety by the defence top brass, and earlier comments show a general acceptance for such a scheme but only on an experimental basis.
Agneepath: Vacancies
46,000
Agneepath: Time Span
4 years
Agneepath: Eligibility Criteria
- Candidates must be between the ages of 17.5-21 years
- A recognised board must certify them
- A minimum of 50% in 10+2 is required
Agneepath: Selection Process
The Selection Process of the Agniveer is purely based on their performances in the Physical test, Their Medical test, and the Training Program.
Agneepath: Training
On being enrolled, candidates will be given military training based on organisational requirements.
Agneepath: What Will Agneevers Receive At The End Of The Training
1. On discharge after completion of four years, Agniveers will be paid a ‘Seva Nidhi’ package to enable them to return to the society for pursuing employment in other sectors. On discharge at four years, the corpus of ₹5.02 lakhs will be matched by the GoI, an amount of ₹10.04 lakhs and accrued interest will be given to the Agniveers. In case of Agniveers who are subsequently selected for enrolment in the IA as regular cadre, the Seva Nidhi package to be paid to them will comprise only their contribution including accrued interest thereon. In the case of Agniveers exiting service before the end of their engagement period on their own request, the individual’s Seva Nidhi package, accumulated as on date, will be paid with the applicable rate of interest. In such cases, no Govt contribution to Seva Nidhi Package will be entitled. The Seva Nidhi will be exempt from IncomeTax
2. ‘Agniveer’ Skill Certificate: At the end of the engagement period, a detailed skill set certificate will be provided to the Agniveers, highlighting the skills and level of competency acquired by the personnel during their engagement period.
3. Class 12th Certificate. Agniveers who have been enrolled after qualifying Class 10th, a certificate for 12th(equivalent) will be given on completion of their four years engagement period, based on skills attained. Detailed instructions shall be issued separately.
Agneepath: Leave
Grant of leave will be subject to exigencies of service. The following leave may be applicable for Agniveers during their engagement period:
- Annual Leave. Upto 30 days per year.
- Sick Leave. Based on medical advice
Agneepath: Pay, Allowances And Benefits
- Agniveer Package
The pay & emoluments of Agniveers will be as given below:
Year 1. Customised Package- ₹ 30,000/- (plus applicable allowances.)
Year 2. Customised Package- ₹33,000/- (plus applicable allowances.)
Year 3. Customised Package- ₹ 36,500/- (plus applicable allowances.)
Year 4. CustomisedPackage- ₹ 40,000/- (plus applicable allowances.)
From the above package, 30% will be compulsorily deposited every month in a corpus which will be matched by the GoI. Balance
amount less the corpus contribution will be the in-hand component.
- Seva Nidhi Package
On discharge after completion of four years, Agniveers will be paid a ‘Seva Nidhi’ package to enable them to return to the society for pursuing employment in other sectors. On discharge at four years, the corpus of ₹5.02 lakhs will be matched by the GoI, an amount of ₹10.04 lakhs and accrued interest will be given to the Agniveers. In case of Agniveers who are subsequently selected for enrolment in the IA as regular cadre, the Seva Nidhi package to be paid to them will comprise only their contribution including accrued interest thereon. In the case of Agniveers exiting service before the end of their engagement period on their own request, the individual’s Seva Nidhi package, accumulated as on date, will be paid with the applicable rate of interest. In such cases, no Govt contribution to Seva Nidhi Package will be entitled. The Seva Nidhi will be exempt from IncomeTax
- Payment Modality: Seva Nidhi Package
Two options to receive Seva Nidhi package will be provided to each Agniveer, with an aim to provide financial loans for self-employment/ entrepreneurship through a bank guarantee as also to meet immediate/ incidental expenses, on exit. Firm details will be promulgated separately.
- Allowances
The Agniveer pay is a composite package and will not be eligible for any Dearness Allowance and Military Service Pay. He will get applicable Risk & Hardship, Ration, Dress and Travel allowances as decided by the GoI from time to time.
Agneepath: Termination
- The services of Agniveers under this scheme may be terminated at any time in accordance with the Army Act 1950.
- However, release at their own request before the completion of the engagement of Agniveers is not permitted.
Agneepath: Compensation For Death
Agniveers will not be governed by provisions contained in the Pension Regulations for Army (as amended from time to time).
They would be suitably compensated for death. The death for the purpose of provision of financial benefits to Agniveers will be categorised as follows:
Category X. Death due to natural causes neither attributable to nor aggravated by military service.
Category Y. Death due to causes which are accepted as attributable to or aggravated by military service or due to accidents/ mishaps in the performance of duties including training.
Category Z. Death due to acts of violence/ attack by terrorists, anti social elements, enemy, during border skirmishes/ war/ peacekeeping operations/ aid to civil power etc, and during operational preparation.