Updated: 10 June 2024
Indian Army Wants An Overhaul Of The Agnipath Scheme, Recommends Changes. The Indian Army has pushed ahead with its concerns and recommendations for the Agnipath Scheme, which was introduced by the BJP government in June 2022 for short-term induction of personnel into the armed forces. This comes after Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) party said their supporters were not happy with the scheme.
A senior party member K C Tyagi said the shortcomings in the Agnipath Scheme have been brought forward by the public time and again. Chirag Paswan of the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) also called for a review of the scheme.
What is Agnipath Scheme
According to myScheme.com, Agnipath scheme is an attractive recruitment proposition for Indian youth to serve in the Armed Forces (Agnipath); the youth selected for this are called Agniveers. It was designed to enable a youthful profile of the Armed Forces.
The Agnipath scheme is also described as a new HR management programme for the Armed Forces. Post four years, the Agniveers will go back to their society and some would be offered opportunity to enroll in the Indian Air Force (IAF) in the regular cadre. Besides, the agniveers get the benefit of customized monthly package, Risk and Hardship allowance, and after completion of four years, they are paid a one-time SevaNidhi package worth Rs 11.71 lakh (this is exempt from income tax).
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Indian Army’s Concerns and Recommendations about Agnipath Scheme
Sources say the Indian Army has reviewed the Agnipath scheme and raised concerns as well as put forth recommendations. It highlighted the lack of training and expertise in the newly recruited soldiers. There are also concerns about the significant shortage of personnel below officer rank if the recruitment from the Agnipath scheme is stopped. It could take up to 10 years for the shortage to be filled.
As such, officials recommended an overhaul of the scheme in an effort to create a young force without compromising the operational capabilities. Moreover, the Indian Army wants to enhance inclusion and training of Agniveers, and simultaneously address the issue of lack of expertise.
It recommended increasing the service period from four years to up to seven or eight years. The Indian Army also suggested increase the age of Agniveers to 23 years in the technical field, and ex-gratia for disability during training. It wants a professional agency to handle management.
