The Agneepath scheme is a major reform in terms of defense policy that completely changes the policy and procedures of recruitment for the Indian armed forces. The main aim of this scheme was to recruit talented officers- airmen, sailors, and soldiers but they were not a part of commissioned officers. The union cabinet has launched a new recruitment-based scheme for Indian armed forces. Named Agneepath, this type of scheme will play an important role for young people who are joining the Agneepath scheme. In earlier days, the soldiers were needed to serve only 17- years with a life-long pension after retirement. Still, this Agneepath scheme provides a better opportunity with an increase in four years tenure with no gratuity. Afterward, it also provides at least 3-4 years of benefits for each one. The Indian government has justified the Agneepath scheme, saying it is completely transforming nature and will minimize the age of armed forces. This initiative is useful for more young people, tech-savvy and talented Indians.
Despite this, the launch of the Agneepath Scheme was met with protests across different parts of India. The government has assured the benefits of the Agneepath scheme while making it clear that it is becoming more beneficial for everyone.
Agneepath Scheme Overview
The Agneepath Scheme provides the best financial offer with a monthly 30 thousand salary in 1st year, progressively hiking to 40 thousand by 4th year. It also provided the best quality of allowances such as travel, ration, risk, dress, and more. If in case, it may arise death risk at the time of duty, will provide compensation accordingly. Apart from that, the district rank officers will not be eligible for certain kinds of benefits relating (to the ECHS) Servicemen Health Scheme, and the right to buy someone from the military canteen store (CSD) department.
On the other hand, Agneeveer will not be accorded the status of ex-servicemen. After 4 year tenure, all armed forces will get a ‘Seva Nidhi’ offer of 11-71 lakh, increasing 30% contribution from their monthly salaries. It also matches a contribution from the Indian government and interest earned.
The Agneepath Scheme’s motives are to leverage the tech-savvy of talented young recruits and integrate emerging new modern technologies into defense forces. It could potentially contribute to becoming a more skilled country’s workforce and the development of economic conditions. On the other hand, this policy will enhance employment opportunities. This can be positioned when Agniveer acquired more experiences at the time of their 4-year service.
The Road to Agneepath
As per the Indian government, the Agneepath scheme reform will add young people to the armed forces. The Ministry of Defense has calculated that the scheme will support minimizing the average age from the current 32 years to 25-26. After this scheme, other nations’ services have lowered the age rate. Other nations have revealed 26-27 average age of the armed forces in China, the United Kingdom, Israel, and France.
While unveiling the Agneepath scheme policy, the Indian government denied any kind of financial motive behind its recruitment policy. For example- Rajnath Singh stated that we never identified the army from the viewpoint of savings. The Agneepath scheme is equally driven by a strong imperative of controlling, and raising the personnel cost of the Ministry of Defence, it is also considered a source of concern especially if it will minimize the funds that have already been available for equipment, maintenance, research, development and capital procurement.
According to the government, it has been estimated the biggest contributor to the increase in the personnel cost share is the defence pension scheme. Usually, it was provided to 3 lakh retirees comprising 2 lakh military veterans and 6 lakh defense civilian pensioners. There are multiple reasons for increasing the pension in defense. Usually, it will facilitate the pension benefits because of successive pay commissions and launching one-rank pension schemes. A major aspect of the change in color service brought in 1960 to 1970. There are various positive effects of color service, and the requirement for a new pension policy was found as early as 1980.
Using the Agneepath Scheme, the government planned to hire 44,000 agniveer in 2022 of which 40,000 will be inducted into the defence force. In this way, it will help to grow the new scheme policy. Based on the scheme, the Navy and Air Force are also trying to raise the pace of Agniveers recruitment. Although, there is no proper estimation of how many agniveer will be recruited per year.
The Issue of Demobilisation
It is mainly focused on the Agneepath Scheme that helps to enhance the careers of young talented people who will be demobilized. It has been identified that Agniveer does not find the right place after being rejected by the military. Considering the common issue, the Ministry of Home Affairs has launched 10% reservation across different organizations for Agniveers. But this is not the way to absorb all demolished Agniveers. The government provided facilities for talented young people so that they could identify relevant jobs easily after their military service. That’s why, the Indian government has launched a reform of the agneepath scheme.
In this article, it has been concluded that the Agneepath scheme is an opportunity to reform the recruitment process for armed forces. Without drastic change, it also maintained the defence budget, and essential funds: research and development, and maintenance of equipment. This article provided the radical nature of the Agneepath scheme to minimize the colour-based service since 1980. The Indian government believes that the Agneepath scheme will create a more agile fighting armed force. The article has concluded that the need for the development of this recruitment policy, and mental or physical well-being of Agniveers to align with cohesion and unit pride. The policy shows overall effects in the form of physical standards, motivations, and intelligence of the candidates that are recruiting under the Agneepath scheme. Besides this, as the government of India aspires to its being, it will help in developing a responsible, brave, and skilled young workforce for the country.
