New Delhi: In a bid to support the ‘Agnipath’ scheme of the Government of India, the Department of School Education & Literacy, through its autonomous institution, the National Institute of Open Schooling, is instituting a special drive, in consultation with the Defence Authorities to enable the 10th pass Agniveers to obtain a 12th pass certificate by developing customized courses relevant to their area of service. This certificate will be recognised for both employment and higher education in the country, according to Ministry of Education (MoE) officials.
According to a report by news agency ANI, education minister Dharmendra Pradhan, talking about the initiative said, “The customised programme by National Institute of Open Schooling will be relevant to the spirit of #Agnipath scheme. This certificate will equip 'Agniveer’s' with relevant knowledge & skills & enable them to pursue jobs & higher education across India.”
He further said that the Ministry of Education is committed to support the Agnipath scheme and “Best of our talent in the best of our services is a matter of pride and a win-win for all.”
"Open schooling system of NIOS which is extremely user friendly and accessible to all from anywhere, anytime opens its doors to all the Agniveers under the Agnipath Scheme," an official of MoE, as quoted by PTI said.
The MoE had earlier announced that it will launch a three-year skill based bachelor degree programme for such defence personnel which will recognise the skill training received by them during their tenure in the defence establishments.
It is to be noted that under the Agnipath scheme, young persons will be provided an opportunity to serve in the armed forces as “Agniveer”.
The scheme provides an opportunity for the youth to serve in the regular cadre of the armed forces for a period of four years, including the training period. Persons between the ages of 17.5 and 21 will be eligible. Candidates who are 10th /12th pass can apply for the recruitment process.