Syllabus: GS3/ Defence/ Internal Security
Context
- The Armed Forces are seeking an increase in the percentage of Agniveers who can be retained in the services after completing their four-year tenure.
About
- Agniveers recruited under the Agnipath scheme began their training in early 2023. The initial batches of Agniveers will complete their four-year tenure with the services later in 2026.
- Under the existing policy, all of them will initially be released from the services, after which up to 25 percent of those who volunteer will be enrolled back as regular soldiers based on merit.
About Agnipath Scheme
- The Government launched Agnipath scheme in 2022 to recruit both male and female aspirants into ‘below the officer’s rank’ cadre of the three services for a period of four years as Agniveers.
- Eligibility: Candidates between the age group of 17.5 to 21 years are eligible to apply for the scheme.
- Training: These Agniveers would undergo optimised basic military training and specialised trade training followed by up-skilling courses, as required.
- Enrolment: Based on organisational requirement and policies promulgated by the Armed Forces, Agniveers after completing their engagement period will be offered an opportunity to apply for enrolment in the permanent cadre.
- Of these up to 25% of Agniveers will be selected to be enrolled in the Armed Forces as a regular cadre.
Benefits under the Scheme
- Agniveers receive a customized monthly package with applicable risk and hardship allowances, with 30% contributed to the Agniveer Corpus Fund, matched by the Government.
- After four years, they are paid a tax-free SevaNidhi package (including accrued interest), totaling around ₹11.71 lakh.
- Agniveers will be provided non-contributory Life Insurance Cover of ₹48 lakh for the duration of their engagement period in the Indian Armed Forces.
- There shall be no entitlement to gratuity and pensionary benefits.
Why Are the Armed Forces Seeking Higher Retention of Agniveers?
- Need for Specialised Training: Procurement of new technologies, modern platforms, and advanced equipment has created a growing need for extended specialised training.
- Retaining a greater proportion of Agniveers will ensure that soldiers gain sufficient experience and proficiency in operating these sophisticated systems.
- Building an Experienced Force: Retaining a greater percentage of Agniveers will balance the need for keeping a younger profile for the manpower across the three services, while also having adequately experienced personnel in the Armed Forces.
- Strengthening Unit Cohesion: Longer tenures as soldiers, particularly in the initial years in the forces, are considered to build better camaraderie between colleagues when they go through hardships and difficult tenures together.
- Operational Preparedness: While Agniveers have performed exceptionally well in operations, there were instances when experience gained across various field tenures and multiple training exercises came in handy, in terms of faster and more effective reactions in operational situations.
Way Ahead
- Agnipath scheme should be seen as a major manpower reform aimed at making the Army younger, more energetic, disciplined and future-ready.
- To develop structured career pathways for Agniveers who wish to continue beyond four years, include specialised training and leadership opportunities.
- However there is a need to adopt a service-specific retention policy by considering the different manpower needs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Source: IE
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