What is the Agnipath scheme?
The Indian government on Tuesday (June 14) introduced a new scheme called Agnipath for the recruitment of soldiers in the army, navy and the air force. Union Minister of Defence, Rajnath Singh, announced the new scheme at the media briefing in the presence of three all three services chiefs. The scheme is part of central government’s new drive to induct 46,000 young men into the armed forces within 18 months for a period of four years.
The scheme will begin on an “all India, all class” basis within 90 days.
What the scheme is about? Under this scheme, the men employed would be called Agniveers, who will get a monthly salary of Rs 30,000 to Rs 40,000. After four years, when these men will get demobilized, they will be entitled to a Seva-Nidhi exit package of 11.71 lakh, half of which will be through their own contributions.
The rest 25% will be inducted as regular cadres of the armed forces for the next 15 years. The government has also said that the scheme will be “progressively opened” for women based on the service requirements.
What Defence Minister said: Union Minister of Defence, Rajnath Singh said that the scheme will strengthen the national security. 'Everyone looks at the armed forces with respect and youth want to wear the uniform. The profile will be youthful. The health and fitness level be quite better. Higher skilled force will be available. Agniveer will be given a good package, along with an exit package,” Singh said in the press conference.
Enter India's 'Agniveers' | Announcing the Agnipath scheme, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) said it was a 'historic' move taken by Cabinet Committee on Security.#AgnipathScheme pic.twitter.com/TA24I7VEAA
— IndiaToday (@IndiaToday) June 14, 2022
Eligibility: The soldiers recruited will be in the age range of 17.5 to 21 years. Women are also eligible for this recruitment scheme.
The Agniveers will also have to meet the eligibility conditions laid down for enrollment in the armed forces as applicable to the respective categories/trades.
The enrollment will happen through a online industrialized system for all the three services with specialised rallies and the campus interviews from recognized institutes like Industrial Training Institutes, National Skills Qualifications Framework among others.
The educational qualifications will depend on the category. For example, for entry into the General Duty (GD) soldier, the educational qualification is Class 10).
Seva Nidhi Scheme: After four years, the Agniveers will be paid one time ‘Seva Nidhi’ package which shall comprise employee contribution and matching contribution from the government equal to the accumulated amount of their contribution including the interest.
The Seva Nidhi amount will also be exempted from income tax. There shall be no entitlement to gratuity and pension benefits. The Agniveers will also be given insurance cover of 48 lakh for the duration of their engagement period in the Indian Armed Forces.
Where to apply: The one's interested can apply on these websites:
- joinindianarmy.nic.in
- joinindiannavy.gov.in
- careerindianairforce.cdac.in