The Agnipath recruitment scheme

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 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.

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.