What Is Agneepath Scheme & Who Can Apply ?

What Is Agneepath Scheme ?

AGNIPATH SCHEME is a recruitment scheme for the Indian youth who wants to join the Armed Forces.

The entry would be done for a period of 4 years initially. During these 4 years, the recruits would be trained by the armed forces in the skills required.

Recruits hired under the scheme would be called Agniveers.

A total of 46000 soldiers would be recruited every year. Of these, about 25% would be retained for an additional tenure of 15 years for permanent commission.

The others would be allowed to leave and given a Seva Nidhi – a corpus of one time amount of Rs. 11.71 lakh plus interest. This amount would be tax free and can be used by the individual to further their dreams.

The individuals, selected for enrolment in the Armed Forces as regular cadre, would be required to serve for a further engagement period of minimum 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.

WHAT’S AN AGE LIMIT FOR AGNIVEERS WARRIOR ?

Enrolment will be based on ‘All India &  All Class’ basis and the eligible age will be in range from 17.5 to 23 years (23 for this year intake, join tda.com).

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR AGNIVEERS :

• The recruitment standards will remain the same, and recruitment will be done twice a year through rallies.
• The new system is only for personnel below officer ranks (those who do not join the forces as commissioned officers).
• Under the Agnipath scheme, aspirants between the ages of 17.5 years and 21 years will be eligible to apply.(NOTE:for this year intake age is 23).
• Recruitment will begin within 90 days under the scheme which will bring “all India, all class” recruitment to the services.
• Both males and females can apply for the Agneepath scheme.
• Recruitment will be done for the three wings of the army under the Agneepath scheme. 

WHAT’S AN EDUCATION QUALIFICATION FOR AGNIVEERS

The educational qualification for Agniveers will remain as in vogue for enrollment in various categories.

Ex. for entry into General Duty (GD) soldier, the educational qualification is Class 10.

NOTE:

• As per current Indian Army Recruitment rules, subject to changes.
• Educational Requirements may vary for Indian Navy and Indian Air Force.
• And age limit change only for this year intake.

BENEFITS TO THE AGNIVEERS UNDER AGNEEPATH SCHEME

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 including interest as indicated below:

ABOUT SEVA NIDHI

The ‘Seva Nidhi’ will be exempt from Income Tax.

There shall be no entitlement to gratuity and pensionary benefits.

Agniveers will be provided non-contributory Life Insurance Cover of Rs 48 lakhs for the duration of their engagement period in the Indian Armed Forces.

AFTER 4 YEAR

• Rs 11.71 Lakh as Seva Nidhi Package (Including, interest accumulated on the above amount as per the applicable interest rates would also be paid)

WHY IT IS BENEFITIAL FOR INDIAN ARMED FORCES

• The average age in the forces is 32 years today, which will go down to 26 in six to seven years, the scheme envisions.
• It will create “future-ready”
• A youthful armed forces will allow them to be easily trained for new technologies.
• It will increase employment opportunities and because of the skills and experience acquired during the four-year service such soldiers will get employment in various fields.
• This will also lead to availability of a higher-skilled workforce to the economy which will be helpful in productivity gain and overall GDP growth.
• The government will help rehabilitate soldiers who leave the services after four years. They will be provided with skill certificates and bridge courses. The impetus will be to create entrepreneurs.

DRAWBACKS OF AGNIPATH SCHEME 

 1.Difficult to find another job

• In the first year of the ‘Agneepath’ scheme, about 45,000 soldiers in the Army, Navy and Air Force will be recruited on short-term contracts of four years. Apart from 25% of them, the rest will have to be released from military service after the completion of the contract.
• Four years of service would mean that other jobs would be out of their reach after that and soldiers who completed four years would not be eligible for re-service.

2.No Pension Benefit 

• Jawans appointed under the Agneepath scheme will be given a lump sum amount of little more than Rs 11 lakh at the end of their four-year term.
• Although they will not receive any pension benefits, in such a situation it will be necessary for most to find another job to support themselves and their families.

3.Training remaining unused

• The army will lose experienced soldiers.
• Soldiers joining the Army, Navy and Air Force will be given technical training to support ongoing operations but these men and women will be out of service after four years, which can create a void.

4.Feeling of insecurity will be at high level .

5.Lack of courage.

6.Unexperienced soldiers.

7.Misuse of these 75% kicked out soldiers.

8.Lack of warfare tactics.

9.Difficult to lead them(AGNIVEERS) by an Officers.

• Drawbacks refrence: Print Media & Army veterans.