What is Agnipath Scheme?

Agnipath Scheme is a recruitment process launched by the central government wherein selected candidates will be enrolled for four years period in Indian Armed Forces.

Agnipath Scheme Upheld

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Context: The Delhi High Court has upheld the validity of Agnipath scheme.

About the Agnipath Scheme

Agnipath Scheme is a recruitment process launched by the central government wherein selected candidates will be enrolled for four years period in Indian Armed Forces.
- Kargil Review Committee proposed the retention of soldiers for a shorter duration of time as opposed to the existing structure of 15 to 20 years.
It allows patriotic and motivated youth to serve in the Armed Forces for a period of four years.
Under this scheme, the youth joining the army will be called Agniveer. Youth will be able to be recruited into the army for a short duration.
Eligibility: Aspirants between the ages of 17.5 years and 23 years will be eligible to apply for personnel below officer ranks.
Of the total annual recruits, only 25 percent will be allowed to continue for another 15 years under permanent commission.
Training period: 6 months + deployment for three and a half years.
Salary and Benefits: Recruits will get starting salary of Rs 30,000, along with additional benefits which will go up to Rs 40,000 by the end of the four-year service.
- During this period, 30 per cent of their salary will be set aside under a Seva Nidhi programme, and the government will contribute an equal amount every month.
- At the end of the four-year period, each soldier will get Rs 11.71 lakh as a lump sum amount, which will be tax-free.
- For 25% of soldiers, who are re-selected, the initial four-year period will not be considered for retirement benefits.

Pros and Cons of Agnipath Scheme

Advantage

A fundamental change in the military’s recruitment practices.
Young and active persona for the armed forces.
Agniveers have the chance to receive training from the greatest universities and improve their abilities and credentials.
Agniveers will receive a one-time “Seva Nidhi” package at the end of their four-year engagement, which they can utilise for their next phase of life.

Concerns

No pilot scheme to evaluate the plan.
It could weaken military culture, professionalism, and combat spirit.
7-8 years are needed to prepare a soldier for combat.
Agniveers will be cautious and most of them will be seeking for a second job.
May result in the militarization of society and the annual unemployment of 35,000 adolescents with war experience.

Significance of the Agnipath Scheme

Younger armed forces: For India’s over 13-lakh strong armed forces, the current average age profile is 32 years. It is envisaged it will come down by about 4-5 years by implementation of this scheme
Leaner Force: Most of the recruits under the scheme will leave the force in four years. The move is likely to make permanent forces much leaner.
Financial Prudence: It will save considerable amount on defence pension bill. The saved expenditure can be allocated for modernization.
Trained and skilled force: A youthful armed forces will allow them to be easily trained for new technologies.
Employment opportunities: Apart from job opportunities in the army, Agniveers will get employment in various fields due to their experience in armed forces.
Buffer Force: The ex-Agniveers could act as an adhoc buffer force, who may be called to serve again for boosting national security in times of external/internal threats.
Global Practices: All major militaries in the world are undergoing reform. There is a trend towards reduction in the number of personnel and emphasis on increasing capital expenditure on modern weapons and equipment.