Agnipath Scheme

Upholding the validity of the Agnipath scheme, The Delhi High Court says it has been introduced in the national interest.

The Delhi High Court affirmed the constitutionality of the Union government’s Agnipath scheme for armed forces recruitment on February 27.
The court dismissed several applications contesting the plan, stating that it was implemented in the national interest.

About
- It allows patriotic and determined young people to serve in the Armed Forces for four years.
- The youth who join the army under this scheme will be known as Agniveer.
- In addition, young people can join the military for a limited time.
- Under the new programme, approximately 45,000 to 50,000 soldiers will be recruited annually.
  - The majority will leave the military within four years.
- However, only 25% of the class will be recruited back into their respective forces after four years, for 15 years.
Eligibility Criteria
- It is only for people below the officer level (those who do not join the forces as commissioned officers).
- Commissioned officers are the highest-ranking officers in the army.
- They frequently have a commission under the president’s sovereign authority and are formally tasked with protecting the country.
- Furthermore, candidates between the ages of 17.5 and 23 are eligible to apply.

Salary
- The Agniveers will be paid an annual salary ranging from Rs. 4.76 lakh in the first year to Rs. 6.92 lakh in the fourth.
Allowances
- In addition to their monthly income, these recruits will receive travel and uniform allowances.
Honours and Awards
- They will also be eligible for honours and prizes under current criteria.
Seva Nidhi
- Agniveers will donate 30% of their income to a fund that the government would match.
- This fund will earn interest, and at the end of four years, each soldier will receive Rs.11.71 lakh as a tax-free lump sum.
- Additionally, it includes interest accumulated on the total amount.
Leaves
- An Agniveer will be given 30 days of yearly leave, with sick leave awarded based on medical advice.
Insurance cover
- During their armed services, the Agniveers would receive non-contributory life insurance coverage of Rs. 48 lakh.

Reduced efficiency
- As a result of the procedure, mixed troops will need;
  - More cohesiveness
  - Regimentation
  - Reducing their effectiveness.
Reducing the expenditure
- The reform has been chastised for attempting to reduce the three agencies’ rising compensation and pension bills.
Lack of reservation
- Former Agniveers need more career opportunities in federal and state governments.
Suspension of recruitment
- Due to COVID, the recruitment process has been halted for the past two years.

Military exposure
- The Agnipath plan or Tour of Service exposes a bigger segment of the Indian public to the military lifestyle and provides them with a broader exposure.
Disciplined workforce
- It offers the country a big pool of disciplined workers with a wide range of skill sets.
Economic Benefits
- The Agniveer’s talents and experience will be helpful in various fields.
- A more competent workforce will eventually contribute to increased productivity and Economic growth.
Reservists
- During National Emergency, the trained personnel can also serve as reservists.
Employment
- It has been advocated as a technique for increasing employment prospects.
- Furthermore, it aims to recruit 40% of workers through this medium.

Many countries, like the United States, use the voluntary tour of duty model.
- In which military needs and service branches determine deployment.
While certain countries have forced military service known as conscription, such as;
- Israel
- Norway
- North Korea
- Sweden
In addition, the initiative may benefit the youth in gaining experience.
But, the government must address all public questions and concerns.

Pic Courtesy: The Hans India

Content Source: The Hindu