Agnipath Scheme has been launched today by the Union Defence Minister
Rajnath Singh, the Union Defence Minister, launched the Agneepath or Agnipath Recruitment Scheme today. The Agnipath scheme would add 46,000 personnel to the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and India Air Force, in a move that promises major improvements in recruiting for the Indian Armed Forces. The idea was announced at a press conference shortly after it was approved by the cabinet committee.
“The Agnipath recruiting plan is a game-changing effort that will give the armed services a more young face,” Singh stated. After protracted deliberations with the armed forces, the move was approved, promising a paradigm shift. But what exactly is the plan?
Agnipath Scheme is a recruiting process for Indian youngsters interested in joining the Armed Forces. The admission would be made for a four-year term at first. During these four years, the armed forces would teach the recruits the necessary abilities. Agniveers would be the name given to recruits employed under the plan.
Every year, a total of 46000 troops would be recruited. About a quarter of those would be maintained for a 15-year extension for permanent commission. The others would be permitted to depart and given a Seva Nidhi — a one-time sum of Rs. 11.71 lakh plus interest – in exchange for their services. This sum would be tax-free, and the individual may use it to pursue their aspirations.
Individuals selected for enlistment in the Armed Forces as regular cadre would be required to serve for a further engagement period of at least 15 years and would be governed by the existing terms and conditions of service of Junior Commissioned Officers/Other Ranks in the Indian Army and their equivalents in the Indian Navy and Indian Air Force, as amended from time to time, as well as Non-Combatant enrolled in the Indian Air Force.
The armed forces will hold recruitment rallies on several campuses as well as unique rallies shortly. For all three services, enrollment would be done through a centralised online portal. For this, specialised rallies and campus interviews will be held at recognised technical colleges such as Industrial Training Institutes and the National Skills Qualifications Framework.
Enrollment will be based on an ‘All India All Class’ basis, with eligible ages ranging from 17.5 to 21 years.
Educational Qualifications: Agniveers’ educational requirements will stay the same for enrolment in various categories. For example, the educational requirement for enrollment into the General Duty (GD) army is Class 10.
Other Requirements: Recruits must fulfil the medical eligibility requirements for enlistment in the armed services, as they apply to the various categories and crafts.
The Indian troops are likely to become significantly younger and ‘technologically savvy’ as Agniveers are produced every four years. The goal is to attract “young talent from society who are more in sync with current technology trends and plough back skilled, disciplined, and motivated personnel into society.”
According to the Union Minister, “It would aid in their training for new technologies while also improving their health. This programme will boost job prospects for those with new abilities in a variety of fields.”
The two-pronged plan would educate the country’s youngsters, give a younger armed force, and assist the country. Patriotism, teamwork, physical fitness, and engrained allegiance to the country would be instilled in the youth’s skill set. Apart from that, it would increase the availability of trained troops in times of foreign threats, internal dangers, and natural catastrophes, boosting national security.’
