Recently, the government has unveiled Agnipath scheme for recruiting soldiers across the Soldiers, Agniveer Army, Navy and Airforce
What is Agniveer Scheme
The union cabinet of india approved one of the attractive scheme for indian youth through that they can join indian armed forces. The name of this scheme is agnipath and selected candidate under this scheme known as agniveer. Under this scheme more then 46000 posts. Qualification for this post will be 10th,12th and ITI.
- 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.
- It is only for personnel below officer ranks (those who do not join the forces as commissioned officers).
Benefited to Agniveer Scheme
Agniveer will be given an attractive customised monthly package along with Risk and Hardship allowances as applicable in the three services. On completion of the engagement period of four years, Agniveers will be paid one time ‘Seva Nidhi’ package which shall comprise their contribution including accrued interest thereon and matching contribution from the Government equal to the accumulated amount of their contribution including interest as indicated below:
| Year | CustomisedPackage{Monthly) | In Hand(70%) | Contribution toAgniveer CorpusFund (30%) | Contribution tocorpus fund byGoI |
| All figures in Rs (Monthly Contribution) | ||||
| 1st Year | 30000 | 21000 | 9000 | 9000 |
| 2nd Year | 33000 | 23100 | 9900 | 9900 |
| 3rd Year | 36500 | 25580 | 10950 | 10950 |
| 4th Year | 40000 | 28000 | 12000 | 12000 |
| Total contribution in Agniveer Corpus Fund after four years | Rs 5.02 Lakh | Rs 5.02 Lakh | ||
| ExitAfter 4 Year | Rs 11.71 Lakh as Seva Nidhi Package(Including, interest accumulated on the above amount as per the applicable interest rates would also be paid) |
Agniveer Scheme Advantages
- 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.
Agniveer Scheme: Terms & Conditions
Under the AGNIPATH scheme, the Agniveers will be enrolled in the Forces under respective Service Acts for a period of four years. They would form a distinct rank in the Armed Forces, different from any other existing ranks. Upon the completion of four years of service, based on organisational requirement and policies promulgated by the Armed Forces from time-to-time, Agniveers will be offered an opportunity to apply for permanent enrolment in the Armed Forces. These applications will be considered in a centralised manner based on objective criteria including performance during their four-year engagement period and up to 25% of each specific batch of Agniveers will
be enrolled in regular cadre of the Armed Forces. Detailed guidelines will be issued separately.
Enrolment will be undertaken throughan online centralised system for all three services with specialised rallies and campus interviews from recognised technical institutes such as Industrial Training Institutes and National Skills Qualifications Framework, among others. Enrolment will be based on ‘All India All Class’ basis and the eligible age will be in range from 17.5 to 21 years. Agniveers will meet the medical eligibility conditions laid down for enrolment in the armed forces as applicable to respective categories/trades. The educational qualification for Agniueers will remain as in vogue for enrollment in various categories. For example: For entry into General Duty (GD) soldier, the educational qualification is Class 10.
What are the Related Concerns?
- Difficult to Find Another Job:
- 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.
- Our four years of service will mean other jobs will be out of reach after that, and we will be left behind our peers.
- No Pension Benefit:
- Those hired under the ‘Agnipath’ scheme will be given a one-time lumpsum of a little more than Rs 11 lakh when they end their four-year tenure.
- However, they do not receive any pension benefits. For most, seeking a second job is essential to support themselves and their families.
- Training May Remain Unutilized:
- Forces will lose experienced soldiers.
- 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 could create a void.
What is the Significance of Such Step for the Country?
- Furure Ready Soldiers:
- It will create “future-ready” soldiers.
- More Employment Opportunities:
- It will increase employment opportunities and because of the skills and experience acquired during the four-year service such soldiers will get employment in various fields.