Agnipath Scheme Upheld

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.

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