New Delhi, June 15: The Centre launched the ‘Agnipath‘ scheme, for the recruitment of soldiers in the Army, Navy, and Air Force – largely on a short-term contractual basis, with an aim to cut the ballooning salary and pensions bill.
Briefing media in New Delhi with three Service Chiefs, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said, the youth selected under this scheme will be known as Agniveers.
He said the Agniveers will be getting attractive monthly packages with Risk and Hardship allowances as applicable in the three services.
Singh said Agniveers will be also paid a one-time Seva Nidhi package upon completion of the engagement period of four years. The AGNIPATH Scheme cleared by Cabinet Committee on Security allows patriotic and motivated youth to serve in the Armed Forces for a period of four years.
The average age profile in the forces is 32 years and is expected to go down by at least six years. Once recruited, these soldiers will be called ‘Agniveers.’
Over forty-six thousand Agniveers to be recruited this year. This is a major defence policy reform introduced by the Government to usher in a new era in the Human Resource policy of the three services. The policy, which comes into immediate effect, will govern the enrollment for the three services.
What exactly is the scheme? Who is eligible to be recruited?
According to the Centre, at least 40,000 to 50,000 soldiers will be recruited annually under this scheme – most of whom will leave the scheme in four years.
Around 25 per cent of the ‘Agniveers’ will be allowed to serve for another 15 years, under permanent commission. In the larger scheme of things, this new policy will reduce the defence pension bill – a concern for the government at the Centre. The scheme is available only at the soldier level and not officer level. Currently, the army recruits young people under the short service commission for an initial tenure of 10 years, which is extendable up to 14 years.
Who is eligible to apply?
Candidates between the ages of 17.5 years and 21 years will be eligible to apply. However, the other criteria for recruitment remain the same. The recruitment will be done twice a year.
When will the recruitment begin?
The recruitment process will begin in the next 90 days, the Centre announced. The first batch is expected to be selected by July 2023.
Are women allowed to join the armed forces under the ‘Agnipath’ scheme?
Yes, women will also be inducted into the ‘Agnipath’ scheme. Stay tuned to this space for more information on this.
What happens once the recruits are selected?
Once selected, the recruits will go through training for six months and then will be deployed in either the Army, Navy or Air Force for three and a half years.
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Benefits to the Agniveers
Agniveers 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.
The ‘Seva Nidhi’ will be exempt from Income Tax. There shall be no entitlement to gratuity and pensionary benefits. Agniveers will be provided with a non-contributory Life Insurance Cover of Rs 48 lakhs for the duration of their engagement period in the Indian Armed Forces.
During this period of service to the nation, the Agniveers will be imparted with various military skills and experience, discipline, physical fitness, leadership qualities, courage and patriotism. Post this stint of four years, the Agniveers will be infused into the civil society where they can contribute immensely to the nation-building process.
The skills gained by each Agniveer will be recognised in a certificate to form part of his unique resume. Agniveers, on completion of the four-year tenure in the prime of their youth, will be mature and self-disciplined with the realization to become a better version of himself/herself both professionally as also personally.
The avenues and opportunities that will open up for their progress in the civil world after Agniveer’s tenure would certainly be a big plus for nation-building. Moreover, the Seva Nidhi of approximately Rs 11.71 lakhs would aid the Agniveer to pursue his/her future dreams without the financial pressure, which is normally the case for young people from the financially deprived strata of society.
The individuals, selected for enrolment in the Armed Forces as regular cadre, would be required to serve for a further engagement period of a minimum of 15 years and would be governed by the existing terms and conditions of service of Junior Commissioned Officers/Other Ranks in Indian Army and their equivalent in Indian Navy and Indian Air Force and that of Non-Combatant enrolled in the Indian Air Force, as amended from time to time.
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The scheme will lead to a much more youthful and technically adept war fighting force by ensuring a fine balance between youthful and experienced personnel in the Armed Forces.
What will be the salary for the ‘Agniveers’?
They will get a starting salary of Rs 30,000, along with additional benefits. This will go up to Rs 40,000 by the end of the four-year service. The government will also set aside 30 per cent of the salary, every month, under the Seva Nidhi scheme – and also contribute an equal amount every month. This will accrue interest and benefit the ‘Agniveers.’
Will Agniveers be eligible for pension?
No, they will not be eligible for pension or gratuity benefits. For the 25 per cent who do apply for permanent commission, the first four years will not be taken into count.
How can I apply?
The following armed forces websites will provide information about the application process and vacancies:
joinindianarmy.nic.in
joinindiannavy.gov.in
careerindianairforce.cdac.in
