AGNIPATH Entry Scheme has been designed to enable a youthful profile of the Armed Forces. It will provide an opportunity to the youth who may be keen to don the uniform by attracting young talent from the society who are more in tune with contemporary technological trends and plough back skilled, disciplined and motivated manpower into the society. As for the Armed Forces, it will enhance the youthful profile of the Armed Forces and provide a fresh lease of ‘Josh’ and ‘Jazba’ whilst at the same time bring about a transformational shift towards a more tech savvy Armed Forces – which is indeed the need of the hour. It is envisaged that average age profile of Indian Armed forces would come down by about 4-5 years by implementation of this scheme.
Indian youth to serve in the Armed Forces. The scheme is called AGNIPATH and the youth selected under this scheme will be known as Agniveers. AGNIPATH allows patriotic and motivated youth to serve in the Armed Forces for a period of four years.
What Is The Agnipath Scheme?
The process of recruiting 46,000 soldiers, sailors, and airmen this year will begin on a “all-India, all-class” basis under the Agnipath scheme, which was authorised by the PM-led cabinet committee on security. Based on the scheme below are answers to some of the widely asked questions.
This scheme entails a recruitment process for individuals below the rank of officer, with the goal of deploying fitter, younger troops on the front lines, many of whom will be on four-year contracts. It’s a game-changing project that will give the Army, Navy, and Air Force a more young image.
Who Can Apply And Age Limit To This Scheme?
Under this scheme both men and women between the ages of 17.5 and 21 will be brought into the armed forces.But one Time relaxation of 2 years given to Agniveers for 2022 Entry.
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What Are The Eligibility Criteria For This Scheme?
All three services will be enrolled through a centralized online system, with specific rallies and campus interviews conducted by recognised technical colleges such as Industrial Training Institutes and the National Skills Qualifications Framework, among others. Enrollment will be on a ‘All India All Class’ basis, with eligible ages ranging from 17.5 to 21 years old. Agniveers will meet the medical requirements for enlistment in the armed forces as they apply to their particular categories/trades. Agniveers’ educational qualifications will continue to be popular for enrolment in many categories, such as: The educational requirement for becoming a General Duty (GD) soldier is Class 10.
Can Girls Apply For Agnipath Entry And Is There Any Reservation For Girls?
Yes, girls under the given age limit are open for the agnipath entry, while there is no such reservation for women under this scheme.
What Is The Salary Package Under This Scheme?
The 1st year salary package of Rs 4.76 lakh with upgradation of up to Rs 6.92 lakh in 4th year While post release, Seva Nidhi package is of approx. Rs 11.71 lakh, including interest (tax free)There’s also a non-contributory insurance cover of Rs 48 lakh. Provided the individuals receive a Agniveer skill certificate which will assist in post release job opportunities.
When Will Agneepath Recruitment Start?
The first Agnipath entry rally recruitment will start from September – Oct 2022.
What Are The Terms Of Service Under Agnipath?
After four years of service, 25% of the Agniveers will be retained in the regular cadre based on merit, willingness and medical fitness. They will then serve for a full term of another 15 years. While the other 75% Agniveers will be demobilised, with an exit or “Seva Nidhi ” package of Rs 11-12 lakh, partly funded by their monthly contributions, as well as skill certificates and bank loans for help in their second careers.
What Are The Advantages Of This Scheme?
It provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the youth to serve their country and contribute to national development. The Armed Forces would be younger and more vibrant.The Agniveers will have a good financial package with the opportunity to train in the best military ethos in civil society and institutions, as well as improve their skills and qualifications. This will make well-disciplined and skilled youth with military ethos in the civil society.
Does This Scheme Induce Any Change In The Age To Drop Out From The Military?
Military officials said the new system would help bring down the average age of the armed forces. In the Army, the average age would drop from 32 to 26.
Is There Any Change In The Defence Budget?
The defence budget of Rs 5,25,166 crore for 2022-23 included Rs 1,19,696 crore for defence pensions. The allocation for revenue expenditure was Rs 2,33,000 crore. The revenue expenditure includes the expenses on payment of salaries and maintenance of establishments.
Benefits To The Agniveers
Agniveers will be given an attractive customised monthly package along with Risk and Hardship allowances as applicable in the three services. On completion of the engagement period of four years, Agniveers will be paid one time ‘Seva Nidhi’ package which shall comprise their contribution including accrued interest thereon and matching contribution from the Government equal to the accumulated amount of their contribution including interest as indicated below:
Salary For Agniveer Agnipath Entry Scheme
The ‘Seva Nidhi’ will be exempt from Income Tax. There shall be no entitlement to gratuity and pensionary benefits. Agniveers will be provided non-contributory Life Insurance Cover of Rs 48 lakhs for the duration of their engagement period in the Indian Armed Forces.
During this period of service to the nation, the Agniveers will be imparted with various military skills and experience, discipline, physical fitness, leadership qualities, courage and patriotism. Post this stint of four years, the Agniveers will be infused into the civil society where they can contribute immensely towards the nation building process. The skills gained by each Agniveer will be recognised in a certificate to form part of his unique resume. Agniveers, on completion of the four year tenure in the prime of their youth, will be mature and self-disciplined with the realization to become better version of himself/herself both professionally as also personally. The avenues and opportunities that will open up for their progress in the civil world after Agniveer tenure would certainly be a big plus towards nation building. Moreover, the Seva Nidhi of approximately Rs 11.71 lakhs would aid the Agniveer to pursue his/her future dreams without the financial pressure, which is normally the case for young people from the financially deprived strata of society.
The individuals, selected for enrolment in the Armed Forces as regular cadre, would be required to serve for a further engagement period of minimum 15 years and would be governed by the existing terms and conditions of service of Junior Commissioned Officers/Other Ranks in Indian Army and their equivalent in Indian Navy and Indian Air Force and that of Non Combatant enrolled in the Indian Air Force, as amended from time to time.
The scheme will lead to much more youthful and technically adept war fighting force by ensuring a fine balance between youthful and experienced personnel in the Armed Forces.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
1. When Agnipath Rally Bharti will start?
The first Agnipath entry rally bharti will start from Sep – Oct 2022
2. Can girls apply for Agnipath Entry?
Yes girls are also eligible for Agnipath entry.
3. What is the age limits for Agnipath Entry?
17.5 to 21 years
4. What is the Salary after joining as Agniveers?
4 Lakhs to 6 Lakh annual package along with allowances and other benefits.
