Opinion | Expert Speaks: Does Agnipath Have A Role In Nation-Building Beyond The Armed Forces?

In June 2022, the Indian government introduced the Agnipath scheme, a transformative initiative with some explicit and a few implicit advantages. This scheme is not merely a recruitment drive but a visionary approach to nation-building. It would have a far-reaching impact on society’s strategic culture, evident to those with the foresight and those with an objective approach to change in any organisation. 

By integrating young individuals into the Indian armed forces and equipping them with essential skills and valuable operational experience at a young formative age, the Agnipath scheme has a role to play in moulding the youth in a positive direction, which would be transformational for the individuals as well as for society. 

A Massive Social Change Is Underway 

The Agnipath scheme represents a major change in the age-old recruitment policy; the expected outcomes would significantly impact the Army, particularly the infantry, which needs a youthful profile given the harsh terrain and adverse weather conditions where they have to operate 24x7. Beyond pure military gains, which can be termed tactical, the most profound impact would be seen as an intangible value addition to the national fabric by bringing in an attitudinal change in the youth.

Four years of regimented life will focus them on the nation rather than limiting their horizon to caste, region or religion. With its vast youth bulge, India has to address this segment proactively and change the thought process to be the contributing resource for the nation rather than being a lot that expects the nation to look after them while they have no sense of responsibility to the nation. 

Unlike other sectors, the armed forces have not adhered to caste-based reservation quotas for Scheduled Castes (SCs) or Scheduled Tribes (STs). The ‘All India, All Class’ recruitment for Agniveers is online, allowing any eligible Indian to apply. 

Energising The Workforce Attitude And Age Profile 

One of the outstanding features of the Agnipath scheme is its focus on attracting educated, younger, aspirational individuals who must strive for merit-based selection and retention. By recruiting a fresh generation of nationally focussed, physically and mentally agile youth adaptable to technology, the scheme aims to infuse an attitudinal shift towards excellence from the initial stages of their careers. These are the most formative years of life, the late teens. 

This approach contrasts with the prevalent traditional model, where a permanent government job or career fosters an entitlement attitude too early in life. Every year, the armed forces will be infused with more than 50,000 young soldiers, progressively bringing down the average age profile from 32 to 26 years. This shift fosters a process of continuous improvement and adaptability, which is crucial for addressing contemporary and foreseeable security challenges.

The Indian neighbourhood is one of the most challenging regions in the world. The various terms like grey-zone warfare, non-traditional threats, weaponising of human resources, use of disruptive technology to target any segment of society, and collusion between our adversaries are all in vogue, and India has to fight its own declared and undeclared conflicts without any distinct bifurcation of military and non-military. Therefore, it is natural that our citizenry has to get more oriented and focused towards concurrent economic growth and security preparation. The foundation for such a workforce has to be a strategically aware citizen and his/her mentors. 

Broadening Opportunities To Serve The Nation 

The Agnipath scheme democratises national service, opening doors for a broader spectrum of citizens to contribute to national security in uniform and even later, when not in uniform. This inclusive approach allows more individuals to contribute actively to the nation, gain valuable experience, acquire relevant skills, and enhance personal and professional growth while benefiting society. Many youngsters wish to join the military to serve their country without committing to a permanent military career.

A large segment of educated youth is not satisfied with only one job for a lifetime. The youth seem wired differently today, and we need to adapt to that by modifying the policies and processes and taking the best out of them as convenient to the individuals and the system. This scheme provides an excellent opportunity for such individuals, offering them a platform to serve their nation while planning their future paths and bringing a valuable human resource pool to the civilian domain.

Youth may want to serve in military uniform for a short period and then pursue other aspirations, such as returning to a settled family profession, securing a job closer to home, continuing higher studies with their savings, or exploring opportunities abroad. There can be many options for exiting Agniveers, including job opportunities in startups or entrepreneurial opportunities.

Such examples are visible in Israel, South Korea, and many other countries. The conscription model in these nations is a short-term engagement that has matured over some time. Even in the Indian armed forces, the Short Service Officers go through this experience, which has been going on for decades. I am a Short Service Officer and am aware of my coursemates’ experiences and the valuable contributions they have made to society.

Emergency Commission and Short Service Commission officers who exited after five years rose to high-ranking positions of ambassador, defence secretary, governor, businessmen, industrialists, lawyers, politicians, etc. The grooming in uniform does give a boost to the personality. Even for Agniveers, there is bound to be a positive outcome. It is too early to be a naysayer for reasons of political benefits or some other incomprehensible reason. 

Inculcating Discipline And Motivation 

Discipline and motivation are at the core of any military service. The scheme aims to produce many generations of committed, disciplined and self-driven individuals by instilling patriotic values. This emphasis on a nationalistic work ethic is crucial for military success. Youth moulded in such an attitude will excel in any professional field. 

A six-month rigorous training schedule, including physical activities and optimally planned and executed training programmes, followed by 3.5 years of on-the-job combat experience, will give Agniveers a relative advantage in terms of sense of discipline, clarity of mind, character, and commitment, creating a large segment with a sense of responsibility towards society. 

This young, disciplined, and aspiring workforce will be an asset to the nation, bringing a structured and motivated approach to various sectors, thus enhancing society’s overall productivity. The nation needs a surge in economic activity in the next 20 to 25 years to reach economic growth and collaborative security goals. The youth can achieve this if they have the quality to contribute. 

Bridging Armed Forces And Civil Society 

The Agnipath scheme will strengthen the vital link between the armed forces and the civilian fraternity. Both these segments are essential for national success. For effective nation-building, the civilian and military streams must synergise. The well-trained, disciplined youth who complete the programme will bring valuable skills to various sectors, adding value to the civil stream and fostering a convergence of military and civilian spheres in the nation. 

This integration helps bridge the gap between military and civilian life, promoting mutual understanding and respect. It also ensures that the armed forces’ values of discipline, leadership, and responsibility add value to society, contributing to a more cohesive and resilient nation. 

Embracing Diversity Of Youth And Experience 

Diversity is another cornerstone of the Agnipath scheme. By integrating a mix of youthful perspectives of Agniveers and experienced insights of seniors, the scheme would enrich the armed forces’ organisational culture and bring fresh approaches to problem-solving. 

Leveraging Agniveer Experience For Defence Startups 

India can draw valuable lessons from Israel, which has some of the world’s most advanced defence equipment manufacturing industries. A significant part of Israel’s success is attributed to Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) veterans and youth members who exit it after completing their conscription. They bring their field or operational experience to defence startups, contributing to developing effective new products and discovering new technologies. The Agnipath scheme has the potential to replicate this model in India. This will depend on positive change management and harnessing the youth energy rather than allowing them to be misguided by vested interests. 

Agniveers, with their rigorous training and first-hand military experience, can become defence entrepreneurs, addressing challenges and creating products that inexperienced outsiders might overlook. The financial support provided by the scheme, including the Rs 11 lakh-12 lakh Seva Nidhi package and access to loans for entrepreneurial ventures, forms a robust foundation for them to embark on startup journeys. Additionally, initiatives like Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) and the iDEX Investor Hub provide further financial and networking support, encouraging venture capital investment in defence startups. 

More Than A Recruitment Initiative

The Agnipath scheme is more than just a new recruitment initiative; it catalyses attitudinal transformation towards nation-building. The scheme holds much for the military as well as for society in direct and indirect spin-offs. The potential social impact is expected to be profound. It is prudent to be patient and pragmatic rather than hasty and self-opinionated.

It would foster a more diverse and representative military while providing participants with valuable personal and professional growth opportunities. With careful management and the implementation of strategic recommendations, the Agnipath scheme can unlock its full potential, contributing to nation-building and creating a more cohesive and resilient society. 

As India continues to navigate the complexities of the 21st century, the Agnipath scheme could be a testament to the nation’s commitment to progress, inclusivity, and excellence. By leveraging the experience and insights of Agniveers, providing financial support, and fostering strong networks, India can significantly boost its defence startups and achieve greater self-reliance in defence. 

Considering the success of countries like Israel and South Korea, this model offers to enhance India’s national security through a robust indigenous defence industrial base. 

Lt Gen. Vinod Khandare (Retd) is the Principal Adviser to the Ministry of Defence. 

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