Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has launched the Agnipath Recruitment scheme as a radical step to bring changes in the recruitment process of Indian Armed forces. The scheme will focus on adding 46,000 soldiers to Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force.
The scheme was announced in the media briefing and was approved by the cabinet committee. Defence Minister stated that, “The Agnipath Recruitment Scheme will come as a transformative measure to offer youthful profile in the armed forces.”
According to the Agnipath Scheme, initially, the entry would be done for a period of 4 years. The recruits would be trained by the armed forces in the required skills for the duration of 4 years. Agniveers will be the designation given to the recruits hired under the Agnipath scheme.
25% of the 46000 soldiers recruited every year will be retained for an additional tenure of 15 years for the permanent commission. Except these 25% soldiers, the other recruits will be allowed to leave and given a Seva Nidhi- a corpus of one time amount of Rs. 11.71 lakh with interest.
Soldiers can use the tax free amount to fulfil their individual dreams. Selected individuals would be required to serve for a further engagement period of minimum 15 years and will come under the terms and conditions designed for the Junior Commissioned Officers/Other ranks in Indian Army and their equivalent in Indian Navy and Indian Air Force.
Candidates can apply for the Agnipath Scheme by the Recruitment rallys conducted at various campuses and special rallys. Online centralized system will come into picture for enrolment to all the three services.
The enrolment for the Agnipath Scheme will be based on the “All India All Class” basis and candidates eligible for applying should be in the age limit of 17.5 to 21 years.
Candidates willing to apply for the entry of General Duty soldier should have the educational qualification of class 10. Candidates who have passed class 12 are also eligible for the Agnipath Recruitment Scheme.
Other details for the qualifications based upon the category and age limit can be checked from the official website. Candidates should meet the medical eligibility conditions as per the specific category available on the official website.
Educational requirements for Indian Navy and Indian Air Force are subject to alterations. Agniveers will receive attractive customized monthly package in addition to the Risk and Hardship Allowance applicable for all three services.
After 4 years of service, Agniveers will receive one-time payment of Seva Nidhi. But, Agniveers will not receive any gratuity of pension benefits after the time frame of 4 years.
Under the Agnipath Scheme, the recruitment standards will remain the same and will take place twice a year though the medium of rallies.
Candidates after selection under the scheme will undergo training for six months and then will be deployed for the duration of three and a half years. Starting salary will be Rs. 30,000 and with additional benefits will go up to Rs. 40,000 by the end of four-years of service.
30% of the salary of Agniveers will be set aside for the Seva Nidhi program. Agniveers will also receive an insurance cover of 48 lakhs for four years.
In case of death, the payout can go over Rs. 1 crore by including the pay of unserved tenure. 25% of the Agniveers re-selected after four years tenure will be considered for the retirement benefits pf the four years.
