Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday announced the Agnipath recruitment scheme for the defence forces at the National Media Centre, Delhi, saying that under this scheme "Indian youth would be granted an opportunity to get inducted into the Armed services," news agency ANI reported. He further said that the scheme is a "transformative initaive", and will increase "employment opportunities."


Along with Defence Minister, three services chiefs including Gen Manoj Pande, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari & Admiral R Hari Kumar were also present at the announcement of the scheme. 


On the announcement of the scheme, Singh said, "The 'Agnivirs' will be given a good pay package & an exit retirement package after a service of 4 years."


"The Cabinet Committee on Security has taken a historic decision today to approve the transformative scheme of 'Agnipath'," Singh said.






Speaking about employment, Singh said, "Under the 'Agnipath' scheme, efforts are to create a youthful profile of the Armed forces. It would help to train them for new technologies & also improve their health levels. This scheme will increase employment opportunities with new skills in different sectors."


Introducing the Agnipath recruitment scheme, Lt Gen Anil Puri, Additional Secretary, Dept of Military Affairs said, "We will provide an opportunity to the youth to serve the nation for short and long duration, as agniveers. We are giving youth a chance for both long and short duration military service."


"Today average age is around 32 years, in time to come it'll further come down to 26 yrs-this'll happen in 6-7 years. In order to transform armed forces into youthful, tech-savvy, modern, there's a need to harness the youth potential&make him a future-ready soldier," he added. 


Talking about Agniveer, Lt Gen Puri said, "Agniveer would be a part of this future-ready soldier. Agniveer would be India's young protector. After being with us for 4 years, an agniveer's resume & biodata will be very unique. He'll stand out in crowd with his attitude, skills & time he would've spent with us."


Speaking about the recruitment process under the scheme, Lt Gen Puri said, "Model is based on all-India merit-based selection process. We are looking at the best to serve the armed forces between the ages of 17.5 to 21 years. Once selected, agniveers will serve for 4 years with us."


"The IAF is looking to tap into the youth's ability to adapt to a fast-changing technology-based environment, train and expose them to the high-tech environment of the IAF and hone their skills for future employment," Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari said on the announcement of the Agnipath scheme. 


Speaking about the scheme, Indian Navy chief Admiral R Hari Kumar said, "Agnipath scheme is a new idea of the new era. An idea that is made in India and made for India. An idea that will have positive impact on the human resources management of armed forces."


Agnipath Recruitment Scheme


Under the Agnipath recruitment scheme for the defence forces, troops will be recruited only for a tenure of four years. 


Two weeks ago, the three service chiefs had briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the Agnipath scheme for soldier recruitment which is said to pave the way for induction of troops into the forces for short-term tenures. 


The scheme has been planned and is being implemented by the Department of Military Affairs.


The new scheme Agnipath under which youngsters would join the forces for a period of four years and serve the country. The scheme is a part of the government's efforts toward reducing expenditure and the age profile of the defence forces, the report stated. 


The scheme would also help in significantly widening catchment areas for recruitment.


Towards the end of the four years of service, 80 percent of the soldiers will be relieved from the duty and the armed forces will further assist such soldiers for employment avenues. Initial calculations by the armed forces projected thousands of crores in savings in pay, allowances and pension if a considerable number of soldiers are taken in under the tour of duty concept.


The best among the recruited youth could also get an opportunity to continue their service, in case vacancies are available. The DMA had studied similar recruitment models in eight countries before developing the Indian model, as per the report.


(With ANI Inputs)