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15th June 2022 (6 Topics)

The Agnipath recruitment scheme

Context

The government recently launched Agnipath Recruitment scheme in order to take a step that promises radical changes in recruitment for the Indian Armed Forces.

About

About the Scheme

  • Agnipath is a recruitment scheme for the Indian youth who wish to join the Armed Forces.
  • The entry would be done for a period of 4 years
  • 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 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.
  • They would be governed by the existing terms and conditions of service of Junior Commissioned Officers/Other Ranks in all three services.

What is Tour of Duty?

  • For military personnel, a tour of duty is usually a period of time spent in combat or in a hostile environment.
  • In an army, for instance, soldiers on active duty serve 24 hours a day, seven days a week for the length of their service commitment.

Objective of the Scheme

  • The Agnipath recruitment scheme is a transformative initiative that will provide a youthful profile to the armed forces.
  • The step has been accepted after lengthy discussions with the armed forces and promises a paradigm shift.
  • To increase employment opportunities in the country for Youth.

Criterion to apply for the scheme

  • Age Limit: Enrolment will be based on ‘All India All Class’ basis and the eligible age will be in range from 17.5 to 21 years.
  • Educational Qualification: The educational qualification for Agniveers will remain as in vogue for enrollment in various categories.
  • for entry into General Duty (GD) soldier, the educational qualification is Class 10.
  • Enrollment would be done through an online centralised system for all three services.
  • Specialised rallies and campus interviews at recognised technical institutes such as Industrial Training Institutes and National Skills Qualifications Framework would be conducted for the same.

Benefits to’ Agniveers’

  • Allowances and packages: Agniveers will be given an attractive customised monthly package along with Risk and Hardship allowances as applicable in all the three services.
  • Pension like fund allotment: 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.
  • The ‘Seva Nidhi’ will be exempt from Income Tax.
  • Insurance cover: 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.

Benefit for India armed services

  • Technologically trained youth: Indian armed services need an equipped youth in technology and a better understanding of recent devices and equipments.
  • Better Enthusiasm: By getting employment at an early age will make young ones to contribute to the fullest.
  • Saving Revenue: The non-permanent nature of this service will make government to save its revenue and invest in further development of armed forces like Technology.
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