Centre unveils ‘Agnipath’ scheme for recruitment of youth in the Armed Forces

Tags: Government Schemes

India unveiled a new scheme called "Agnipath" on 14 June for the recruitment of soldiers in the Army, the Navy and the Air Force, on a short-term contractual basis.

• About ‘Agnipath’ scheme

• Under this scheme, to reduce the rising salary and pension expenses, short-term soldiers will be recruited on contract basis, which will be called 'Agniveer'.

• Under the scheme the soldiers will be recruited initially for a period of four years and some of them would be retained.

• Indian youth will be provided an opportunity to serve in the Armed Forces as 'Agniveer'.

• Women will also be recruited into armed forces under the scheme.

• This will help in ensuring optimum balance between youth and experience in the Army.

• The "Agneepath" scheme, earlier named as "Tour of Duty", was initiated in the presence of the Chiefs of the three Services.

• At present, the Army recruits youth under Short Service Commission for an initial tenure of 10 years, which can be extended up to 14 years.

• Salary of Agniveers

• Agniveers will get a salary of Rs 30,000 to Rs 40,000 per month plus applicable allowance.

• The Seva Nidhi will be exempt from Income Tax. 

• No one will be entitled to gratuity and pensionary benefits.

• Agniveers will be provided a non-contributory life insurance cover of Rs 48 lakh.

• Aim of the scheme

• Reducing the salary and pension expenses of the three services.

• To bring a paradigm shift in recruitment in the armed forces. 

• To ensure a wider talent pool for recruitment in the armed forces.