Testing the Agnipath Scheme: Making Sure It Really Works!

The Agnipath scheme can help infuse disciplined youth with a military ethos into civil society. States such as Uttarakhand, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh have already promised them preference in police recruitments.

Agniveer Eligibility

The Indian government has launched a new recruitment program called Agniveer to strengthen the armed forces. It invites young people aged 17.5 to 23 to serve for four years, aiming to lower the average age of soldiers and give the army, navy, and air force a more youthful image. A major challenge is helping Agniveers smoothly transition back to civilian life after their service. It is important that this goes smoothly to ensure the soldiers don’t have trouble finding employment in the future. This is why the government will provide these soldiers with a package and help them find civilian jobs after they finish their service.

The defense ministry plans to set aside 10% of its positions for Agniveers, offering opportunities in the coast guard, Assam Rifles, and police across states. After their four-year service, Agniveers can apply for permanent enlistment, choose their military branch, and receive higher pay than regular soldiers. They can also leverage their military experience to enhance their future career prospects. Additionally, the government supports their post-military education.

The Agniveer scheme, though receiving mixed responses, is seen as a positive move to enhance India’s armed forces. It aims to improve efficiency by lowering the average age of soldiers and facilitating recruitment from remote areas.
While the armed forces face challenges attracting youth, this scheme could be beneficial. However, it’s not clear whether the military will remain the top choice for young Indians. Future efforts might be more successful by creating civilian options for young soldiers, improving their chances of smooth reintegration into society.

Agniveer Training

The scheme will give young people between the ages of 17.5 and 23 (revised upper age limit) who have a desire to serve the country, the opportunity to do so for four years. After this period, 25% of Agniveers will continue, while the rest can go back to civilian life.

In their first year, these soldiers will undergo training at established military centers based on their chosen service and role. They also have the option to pursue specialized courses in areas like computer networking, defense science and technology, or language development.

This is a great opportunity for young people who are looking to gain a variety of skills and experience, including discipline, teamwork, and physical fitness, while serving their country. After their four-year tenure, these soldiers will be able to apply their military values in the civilian world and find employment. It’s crucial to highlight that the training for Agniveers is basic, as mentioned by a retired army officer. According to him, these new recruits may pose a challenge for seasoned soldiers, as they will need to compensate for their limited skills.

Once these soldiers complete their military service, they will enter the civilian job market, which might be challenging for the government to manage. However, some state governments have committed to hiring them in reserved positions.

To address this, the Directorate General of Training is working with various organizations to provide additional training in skills, entrepreneurship, and multi-skilling for Agniveers. Some courses will align with the National Skills Qualification Framework, helping the armed forces assess and verify their skills gained during military service.

Agniveers’ Exit : Govt and Private Opportunities

The government has offered a number of incentives to Agniveers for taking up civilian jobs after their tenure in the army ends. Besides the 10% reservation in the Indian Coast Guard and defence civilian posts, and all 16 Defence Public Sector Undertakings, several state governments have also conveyed their willingness to recruit them.

Private firms, too, have shown interest in the armed forces’ youths. Mahindra Group chairman Anand Mahindra, for instance, has expressed his interest in recruiting Agniveers once they exit the armed forces. Moreover, the armed forces will provide them with job placement support for suitable civilian jobs.

However, critics point to a few issues that could potentially jeopardise the success of the scheme. One is that a major portion of the armed forces’ budget goes towards pensions and salaries. There’s fear that discharged Agniveers, lacking the army’s values, may be vulnerable to exploitation, potentially joining terrorist organizations for financial gain.

Another issue is that Agniveers’ training is shorter than that of regular soldiers. It is feared that they might struggle to cope with the demands of a long-term military commitment.

In order to address these issues, the government has proposed a few modifications to the Agniveer Scheme. These include increasing the permanent retention quota for Agniveers after four years of service; and raising the maximum age limit for recruitment to 23 years from 21 years.

After completing four years in the scheme, individuals are eligible for the ‘Seva Nidhi’ package of Rs. 10,04,000, which includes their Corpus Fund contribution and interest, with additional contributions from the government. State governments, like Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Assam, pledge to prioritize Agniveer recruitment in their police forces. A special program is also in place to assist them in obtaining 12th class pass certificates through tailored courses.

Retirement Plans

The armed forces have specific requirements for recruiting soldiers, including medical exams, fitness tests, and basic education. These ensure that recruits are capable and healthy for their crucial roles in national safety. The Agniveer scheme offers a unique opportunity for young people to serve the country for four years, gaining valuable skills and work experience.

While 75% of Agniveers will leave after their contract, the rest may continue in the armed forces. Despite lower pay, they receive additional allowances, potentially saving the government money. After service, Agniveers receive support for finding civilian jobs, including educational certificates and business loan assistance. The Ministry of Defence sees the scheme as a nation-building effort, aiming to bring disciplined and skilled youth back into society, benefiting both the military and civilians and enhancing India’s security in the long run.