Ananya Gupta
October 04, 2023 01:11
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Explore the transformative Agnipath Defence Policy Reforms introduced by the Indian government. Learn about the scheme's objectives, eligibility criteria, salary structure, and its impact on national security.
AGNIPATH scheme has been designed with the aim of fostering a more youthful profile within the Armed Forces. It seeks to extend an enticing opportunity to the younger generation who aspire to wear the uniform, drawing in fresh talent from society. This talent comprises individuals who are intimately connected with contemporary technological advancements. The scheme aims to harness their skills, instill discipline, and nurture unwavering motivation, ultimately reintegrating them into society as a valuable resource.
For the Armed Forces, AGNIPATH signifies a transformational shift towards a technologically savvy and dynamic future. This transition breathes new life into the spirit of the Armed Forces, infusing them with a renewed sense of enthusiasm and determination, often referred to as ‘Josh’ and ‘Jazba’. Simultaneously, it addresses the pressing need for modernization in the defense sector.
The benefits of short-term military service to the nation, society, and the youth are multifaceted. This includes inculcation of patriotism, the nurturing of teamwork, the enhancement of physical fitness, the instillation of unwavering loyalty to the country, and the availability of trained personnel to bolster national security in the face of external threats, internal challenges, and natural disasters.
This marks a significant milestone in defense policy reform, heralding a new era in the human resource policies of the three Armed Services. Effective immediately, this policy governs the enrollment process for the Indian Armed Forces, setting the stage for a more dynamic and youthful future.
| Agnipath Defence Policy Reform | |
|---|---|
| Date | 14 June 2022 |
| Objective | Transform the armed forces, enhance military preparedness, and provide youth with an opportunity to serve. |
| Service Duration | Four years for most recruits; 25% may continue for an additional 15 years |
| Eligibility Criteria | Age: 17.5 to 23 years, Education: Class 10th and 12th, Medical and Physical Fitness Standards |
| Salary Structure | Starting Salary: INR 30,000, Increases to INR 40,000 by the end of the fourth year |
| Financial Benefits | Seva Nidhi program with contributions and interest, Tax-free lump sum payout of INR 11.71 lakh on completion, INR 48 lakh life insurance cover |
Agneepath Scheme, implemented by the Indian Government, aims to enlist soldiers across all three major services, namely the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Those who join the armed forces through this scheme are bestowed with the title of “Agniveers.” It is anticipated that this initiative will result in the recruitment of approximately 45,000 to 50,000 soldiers across these services.
However, it’s important to note that a significant proportion of these newly recruited soldiers are expected to complete their service commitment within a relatively short duration of four years. Only a select 25% of the recruits will have the opportunity to continue their service for an extended period of 15 years.
Eligible candidates for this scheme fall within the age bracket of 17.5 years to 23 years, providing them with a valuable opportunity to serve their nation and contribute to the defense forces.
Agnipath introduces a novel defense recruitment approach, inviting individuals driven by patriotism and motivation to serve in the armed forces for a fixed term of four years.
The recruitment process is set to commence within the next 90 days, marking the beginning of this transformative endeavor.
Under this initiative, a biannual recruitment exercise will be conducted, spaced six months apart, with the goal of enlisting approximately 45,000 to 50,000 personnel below officer rank across the three services annually. In the inaugural year of the Agnipath scheme, there is a planned intake of approximately 46,000 young men and women who will embark on this remarkable journey.
Soldiers recruited through the Agnipath scheme will be proudly known as ‘Agniveers,’ embodying the spirit of dedication and service.
This pioneering scheme is poised to become the sole avenue for soldier recruitment into the three defense services: the Armed Forces, the Indian Navy, and the Air Forces, marking a significant departure from previous recruitment methods.
The enrollment process for Agniveers across all three services will be streamlined through a centralized online system. Additionally, special rallies and campus interviews will be conducted at recognized technical institutes, including Industrial Training Institutes and institutions aligned with the National Skills Qualifications Framework. This model is anchored in an all-India merit-based selection process, ensuring the recruitment of the most deserving and capable candidates.
To become a part of the Agneepath Scheme, interested candidates can follow these steps:
Visit the Official Websites: Applicants can access the official websites of the three armed forces – the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Select the Relevant Force: Depending on their preference and eligibility, candidates should choose the specific armed force they wish to join as Agniveers.
Review Eligibility Criteria: It’s essential to carefully review the eligibility criteria and requirements set forth by each armed force, as they may differ.
Access Application Forms: The armed forces typically release force-specific application forms for Agniveer recruitment. These forms become available for aspiring candidates.
Submission Timeline: The application submission process generally commences in July/August 2022. Applicants should ensure they complete and submit their forms within the specified timelines.
Recruitment Period: Armed forces aim to conclude the recruitment process for the first batch of Agniveers by December, providing successful candidates with the opportunity to embark on their journey as dedicated soldiers.
As per information presented by the Ministry of Defence to Parliament, the Army is currently grappling with a significant shortfall in its manpower, with over one lakh positions for junior commissioned officers and other ranks remaining vacant.
The data highlights a noticeable decrease in the frequency of recruitment rallies over the years. While the years 2017, 2018, and 2019 saw more than 90 recruitment rallies conducted annually, the situation changed drastically during the pandemic. In the fiscal year 2020-2021, only 47 recruitment rallies were organized, and this number further plummeted to merely four in the subsequent year, 2021-2022.
Agnipath Scheme holds significant importance for the Agniveers, the individuals who enroll in the armed forces through this initiative. Here are some key aspects of its significance for them:
1. Agnipath soldiers, also known as Agniveers, will be enrolled for a fixed term of four years, marking a significant departure from the traditional long-term service period, which currently extends to nearly 17-20 years.
2. Their journey begins with a six-month training program, equipping them with the necessary skills and discipline for their service. They dedicate the remaining three and a half years to actively serving their country.
3. To ensure that their service is rewarding and financially viable, Agniveers will receive a starting monthly salary of Rs 30,000, which progressively increases to Rs 40,000 by the conclusion of their fourth year.
4. Under the “Seva Nidhi” package, a unique benefit exempt from Income Tax, they will accumulate approximately 11 lakh to 12 lakh, inclusive of contributions and accrued interest, upon completing their service. This is made possible by a dual contribution system, where Agniveers contribute 30% of their monthly emoluments, matched by a corresponding contribution from the government.
5. A noteworthy provision of the Agnipath Scheme is that 25 percent of these dedicated recruits will have the opportunity to rejoin the services, embarking on a 15-year tenure in non-officer ranks.
6. While there are no gratuity or pension benefits under this scheme, Agniveers receive valuable non-contributory life insurance coverage of ₹48 lakh during their service. This coverage ensures financial protection for their families in the event of unforeseen circumstances.
7. Comprehensive provisions have been established to address loss of life or disability resulting from injuries sustained during duty. In cases of service-related fatalities, a substantial compensation package exceeding ₹1 crore, including the “Seva Nidhi” benefits, is provided, along with full pay for the unserved period. Similarly, for disabilities attributable to service, a compensation of ₹44 lakh is offered based on the percentage of disability, accompanied by full pay for the remaining unserved period, inclusive of “Seva Nidhi” contributions with applicable interest.
8. Upon completing their four-year term, Agniveers gain the opportunity to apply for regular employment in the armed forces. Moreover, they may receive priority consideration for various positions within other government departments, further enhancing their career prospects and contributions to the nation.
Eligibility criteria for candidates aspiring to become Agniveers under the Agnipath Scheme are as follows:
Age Requirement: Applicants must fall within the age range of 17-and-a-half years to 21 years to be considered eligible for application.
Educational Qualifications: The educational qualifications required for Agniveers are in line with those stipulated for regular positions within the armed forces. This typically entails possessing a minimum of Class 10th and 12th qualifications.
Recruitment Process: Recruitment will be conducted on an “All India All Class” basis, ensuring equal opportunities for candidates from across the nation. The recruitment process will adhere to established medical and physical fitness standards in accordance with prevailing norms and guidelines.
The primary Aim of the Agnipath Scheme are as follows:
Enhancing Military Preparedness: The scheme’s central aim is to equip the Indian Army to become a future-ready, agile fighting force capable of effectively addressing a diverse range of challenges spanning the entire spectrum of conflict.
Strengthening National Security: It is designed to bolster national security by ensuring a robust and youthful human resource pool within the armed forces. This, in turn, fortifies the nation’s defense capabilities.
Addressing Fiscal Challenges: One of the key motivations behind the scheme is to mitigate the escalating salary and pension expenditures associated with long-term military service, thereby contributing to fiscal sustainability.
Modernization: Agnipath seeks to transform the armed forces into a modern and tech-savvy institution, harnessing the potential of youth to create a forward-looking and adaptable soldier for the future.
Rehabilitation and Skill Development: The scheme recognizes the need to support soldiers who complete their four-year service. A “whole of government” approach will be adopted, providing them with skill certificates and bridge courses to facilitate their transition into civilian life. The emphasis here is on fostering entrepreneurship among veterans.
There are several concerns and debates surrounding the Agnipath scheme:
Risk Aversion: Some apprehensions exist that soldiers in the Agnipath scheme might exhibit risk aversion, as they are aware of their relatively short service period. There could be concerns that they may be less inclined to take risks or face bodily harm in the line of duty, which could impact operational effectiveness.
Recruitment Method: Retired Army officers have expressed reservations about the “All India All Class” intake method and the introduction of four-year short-term contractual recruitment. There are concerns that this approach might not be beneficial for India’s relations with neighboring countries, such as Nepal, as it could potentially reduce the intake of candidates from certain regions.
Skills Emphasis: Critics argue that there might be an excessive focus on providing skills to youth entering the armed forces under this scheme. They contend that real skills are typically acquired by those who serve in the military for a longer duration. The relatively short four-year service period might not allow for in-depth skill development.
The transition from an annual intake of approximately 50,000 soldiers to a potentially higher intake of 1-1.5 lakhs per year under the Agnipath scheme has raised concerns about the potential for a skewed recruitment model. This significant increase in recruits could impact the composition and dynamics within the armed forces.
Agneepath Scheme, designed as a short-service manpower model, represents a transformative initiative aimed at infusing youthful energy into the armed forces. Here are the salary and perks associated with this scheme:
Starting Salary: Upon enlistment, Agniveers are entitled to a starting monthly salary of INR 30,000. Over the course of their four-year service, this amount progressively increases, reaching INR 40,000 by the conclusion of their term.
Seva Nidhi Program: During their service, 30 percent of their monthly salary is earmarked under the Seva Nidhi program. The government contributes an equal amount each month, and this fund also accrues interest. At the end of the four-year period, each Agniveer receives a lump sum amount of INR 11.71 lakh, which is tax-free.
Life Insurance Cover: Agniveers are provided with a comprehensive life insurance cover of INR 48 lakh for the entire four-year duration of their service under the Agneepath Scheme.
In the unfortunate event of a soldier’s demise, the payout exceeds INR 1 crore, which includes pay for the unserved tenure. However, for the 25% of soldiers who are re-selected into service with higher ranks, the initial four-year period is not considered for retirement benefits.
No Gratuity and Pension Entitlement: It’s important to note that soldiers under the Agneepath Scheme are not entitled to gratuity or pensionary benefits.
Agneepath Scheme has garnered significant attention in current affairs, making it a crucial topic for candidates preparing for the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) examination. The UPSC syllabus often incorporates questions related to recent developments, and the Agneepath Scheme is no exception. Its relevance extends to both the Prelims and Mains stages of the examination.
In the Mains examination, the Agneepath Scheme finds its place within the “Various Security Forces and Agencies and their Mandates” section. To excel in this examination, aspirants should thoroughly delve into this topic, understanding its intricacies, implications, and significance in the broader context of national security and defense policy.
Preparation should include creating comprehensive notes, analyzing the scheme’s objectives, impact, and relevance, and being well-versed in the associated facts and figures. This thorough preparation will empower candidates to address questions related to the Agneepath Scheme effectively in the upcoming Civil Services Exam.
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