Sujan R Chinoy writes: A reform called Agnipath | The Indian Express
It will ensure youthful and tech-savvy profile of armed forces while reducing burden of pensions and gratuities.
In recent years, the Narendra Modi government has given special attention to defence and national security by taking meaningful steps to enable the Indian armed forces to evolve rapidly into a modern fighting force with cutting edge technologies.
The Government of India’s announcement of the Agnipath scheme for recruitment of soldiers, the majority of whom will serve for four years, is another step in the right direction. The proposal entails recruitment of Agniveers, 17.5 to 21 years old, for all the three services, based on “All India All Class (AIAC)” from recognised technical institutes like the Industrial Training Institutes through a centralised online system with specialised rallies and campus interviews. Medical eligibility and rigorous training standards will be maintained and their selection will be the exclusive domain of the armed forces. The best among the Agniveers, upto 25 per cent in each batch, will be selected for regular cadre to serve for another minimum of 15 years, based on a transparent and merit-based assessment.
The scheme is both generous and attractive in terms of emoluments and pay-outs. Upon release from service, the Agniveers will revert to civil society as holders of a special qualifying certificate and become the backbone of confident and disciplined human resources available across the country. Their integration into society and livelihood, including placement in alternative jobs, will be facilitated, including through credits for higher education. Apart from drawing a composite package of Rs 40,000 per month in the fourth year, they will each get Rs 11.71 lakh through the Seva Nidhi package in which their contribution of 30 per cent of the monthly salary will be matched by an equal amount by the government. In effect, they will have a sizeable sum, exempt from income-tax, to pursue their dreams, in addition to individual savings.
Life insurance cover of Rs 48 lakh, ex-gratia payment of Rs 44 lakh in case of death, and payment for the remainder of the four years of service in case of death, are huge plus points. Disability compensation of Rs 44/25/15 lakh respectively for 100/75/50 per cent disability is reassuring.
This path-breaking initiative by the government will open up regular intake and availability of youthful, patriotic, physically fit and highly-motivated youth who wish to don the uniform and serve the nation for short periods. In all, 46,000 Agniveers will be recruited this year.
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