In transformative reform, ‘Agnipath’ scheme for recruitment of youth in the Armed Forces introduced

New Delhi. In a transformative reform, the Union cabinet on June 14 cleared an “Agnipath” recruitment scheme for patriotic and motivated Indian youth to serve in the Armed Forces for a period of four years as “Agniveers” at the conclusion of which they will receive a Rs 11.71 lakh “Seva Nidhi” package in addition to their monthly emoluments beginning with Rs 30,000 in the first year and rising to Rs 40,000 in the fourth year.

At the end of the tenure, there is also the possibility of getting selected for induction as regular cadre, where they would have to serve for a minimum of 15 years.

Forty-six thousand Agniveers will be recruited this year.

The entry age was initially announced as 17-and-a-half-years to 21 but Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on June 17 that that many youths did not get the opportunity to join the Armed Forces, as recruitment process could not take place for last two years. Keeping in mind the future of the youth, Rajnath Singh stated that the government, on the directions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has increased the age limit for the recruitment of Agniveers from 21 years to 23 years for the recruitment cycle of 2022.

 “The relaxation of age indicates that the Government cares for our youth. Department of Military Affairs, Ministry of Defence and the Services are committed to commence the recruitment process at the earliest. We invite the youth to join the Armed Forces and serve the Nation through AGNIPATH,” Rajnath Singh said during a two-day visit to Srinagar to review operational preparedness.

The Agnipath scheme has been designed to enable a youthful profile of the Armed Forces. It will provide an opportunity to the youth who may be keen to don the uniform by attracting young talent from the society who are more in tune with contemporary technological trends and plough back skilled, disciplined and motivated manpower into the society.

As for the Armed Forces, it will enhance the youthful profile of the Armed Forces and provide a fresh lease of ‘Josh’ and ‘Jazba’ whilst at the same time bring about a transformational shift towards a more tech savvy Armed Forces – which is indeed the need of the hour. 

It is envisaged that average age profile of Indian Armed forces would come down by about 4-5 years by implementation of this scheme. The nation stands to immensely benefit by infusion of highly inspired youth with deeper understanding of self-discipline, diligence and focus who would be adequately skilled and will be able to contribute in other sectors. 

The dividends of a short military service to the nation, society and the youth of the nation are immense. This includes inculcation of patriotism, team work, enhancement of physical fitness, ingrained loyalty for the country and availability of trained personnel to boost national security in times of external threats, internal threats and natural disasters.

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 hereafter govern the enrolment for the three services.

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 ‘SevaNidhi’ 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:

The customised package will give the Agniveers Rs 30,000 in the first year, with Rs 21,000 in hand and Rs 9,000 going to the Agniveer Corpus Fund and the government contributing an equal amount.

This will rise to Rs 33,000 (Rs 23,100) in the second year and to Rs 36,500 (Rs 25,580) in the third year and to Rs 40,000 (Rs 28,000) in the fourth year.

At the end of the fourth year, the contribution to the Agniveer Corpus would amount to Rs 5.02 lakhs with an equal contribution from the government and the total would come to Rs 11.71 lakh along with the accumulated interest

 The Seva Nidhi will be exempt from Income Tax. There will be no entitlement to gratuity and pensionary benefits. Agniveers will be provided non-contributory Life Insurance Cover of Rs 48 lakh for the duration of their engagement period in the Indian Armed Forces.

During their period of service, the Agniveers will be imparted with various military skills and experience, discipline, physical fitness, leadership qualities, courage and patriotism. Post their stint, the Agniveers will be infused into civil society where they can contribute immensely towards 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 realisation to become 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 their tenure would certainly be a big plus towards nation building.

Moreover, the Seva Nidhi 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 thereafter selected for enrolment in the Armed Forces as regular cadre would be required to serve for a further 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.

 The scheme will lead to much more youthful and technically adept war fighting force by ensuring a fine balance between youthful and experienced personnel in the Armed Forces.

Advantages

• A transformative reform of recruitment policy of the Armed Forces.
• A unique opportunity to the youth to serve the country and contribute to Nation Building.
• Armed Forces profile to be youthful and dynamic.
• Attractive financial package for the Agniveers.
• Opportunity for Agniveersto train in the best institutions and enhance their skills & qualifications.
• Availability of well-disciplined and skilled youth with military ethos in civil society.
• Adequate re-employment opportunities for those returning to society and who could emerge as role models for the youth.

Terms & Conditions

Under the Agnipath scheme, the Agniveers will be enrolled in the Forces under respective Service Acts for a period of four years. They would form a distinct rank in the Armed Forces, different from any other existing ranks. Upon the completion of four years of service, based on organisational requirement and policies promulgated by the Armed Forces from time-to-time, Agniveers will be offered an opportunity to apply for permanent enrolment in the Armed Forces.

These applications will be considered in a centralised manner based on objective criteria including performance during their four-year engagement period and up to 25 per cent of each specific batch of Agniveers will be enrolled in regular cadre of the Armed Forces. Detailed guidelines will be issued separately. The selection will be the exclusive jurisdiction of the Armed Forces.

Enrolment will be undertaken through an online centralised system for all three services with specialised rallies and campus interviews from recognised technical institutes such as Industrial Training Institutes and National Skills Qualifications Framework, among others.

Enrolment will be based on All India All Class basis and the eligible age will be in range from 17.5 to 21 years. Agniveers will have to meet the medical eligibility conditions laid down for enrolment in the armed forces as applicable to respective categories/trades.

The educational qualification for Agniveerswill remain as in vogue for enrolment in various categories. (For example: For entry into General Duty (GD) soldier, the educational qualification is Class 10).

STAND ALONE

Rajnath Singh lauds training at JIM&WS, Pahalgam

Srinagar. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has lauded the rigorous training standards, excellent management, devotion and technical proficiency of the trainers and instructors that have established Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering & Winter Sports (JIM&WS) at Pahalgam as one of the leading institutes in the country, describing mountaineering and allied activities as a sign of not just physical endurance, but also of mental toughness and enthusiasm.

He was addressing the 9th Executive Council and 4th General Body meeting of the JIM&WS. In the presence of the Defence Minister and J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, the meeting deliberated on the ways to ensure smooth functioning of the institute and early resolution of pending issues.

Rajnath Singh appreciated the increasing number of women participants in these activities, which once witnessed male dominance. He also acknowledged the differently-abled Divyangjans who are completing mountaineering expeditions with skill and enthusiasm. He made special mention of Indian mountaineer Arunima Sinha who became the first woman amputee to scale Mount Everest with her firm determination. It is, therefore, very important that all training programmes in this institute are oversubscribed, he said.

Saying that the government’s focus on increased public-private partnership in various fields has provided a new thrust to the country’s development, the Defence suggested JIM&WS join hands with the private sector in order to further their training programmes.

 “There are many technologies, expertise and innovations in the private sector which are not available with the public sector. Collaboration with the private sector will help JIM&WS to connect the people, especially the youth, with activities such as mountaineering and ensure local prosperity,” he said.

The Defence Minister exhorted the institute to further acquaint people, especially the youth, with mountaineering and winter sports through its various training programmes and infuse patriotism, courage & energy in them.

He said, this will not only increase the popularity of these activities, but also generate employment opportunities, thereby giving a boost to local economy. This will also increase the participation of the local community and provide an opportunity to connect with their culture, he added. The local people should not just be sherpas, but partners in the national-cultural unity, he asserted.

Rajnath Singh reiterated the government’s resolve of development of border areas to bolster national security and said that institutions like JIM&WS can help in carrying forward that vision and contribute to the progress of the country.

Emphasising on the importance of environment protection, he called upon the institutions like JIM&WS to promote eco-sensitive tourism and contribute in saving nature. He concluded his address with the hope that JIM&WS will become one of the leading institutes of the world in the coming times.

On the occasion, the Defence Minister also inaugurated a Col KS Mall Boulder Climbing Wall and Himalayan Museum at the Institute. The aim of JIM&WS is to expose the youth to nature and develop their personality, character and confidence through adventure sports.