EXPLAINED | What Is Agnipath Scheme? Know All Benefits Of New Military Recruitment Drive

The Agnipath scheme is radical recruitment plan for Indian youth to serve in the Armed Forces, including Army, Navy and the Air Force.

(Representative Image/ Getty)

The central government on Tuesday announced the 'Agnipath' scheme - a mega recruitment plan and transformative initiative for soldiers that will increase employment opportunities in the armed forces. Under the scheme, soldiers will be recruited for four-year service periods, after which a quarter will be brought into regular service. Indian youth selected under this scheme will be known as 'Agniveers'. 

"The scheme will increase employment opportunities and aim to create a youthful profile of the Armed forces," Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said adding that the Union Cabinet has approved a recruitment scheme for Indian youth to serve in the Armed Forces.

In a transformative reform, #Cabinet clears #agnipathscheme for the recruitment of youth in the Armed Forces#Agniveers to be enrolled under respective Service Acts for four years

Read details: https://t.co/3cUludcg4P#cabinetdecisions 1/n pic.twitter.com/VvMD8JQVtD

— PIB India (@PIB_India) June 14, 2022

While making the announcement, Singh also pointed out that 'Agniveers' will be given a good pay package and an exit retirement package after four years of service. 

Here's All You Need To Know About The Agnipath Scheme For Soldiers

1. What Is Agnipath Scheme?

The Agnipath scheme is radical recruitment plan for Indian youth to serve in the Armed Forces, including Army, Navy and the Air Force. According to Singh, the scheme will lead to a much more youthful and technically adept war fighting force by ensuring a fine balance between youthful and experienced personnel in the Armed Forces.

Tt will also bring a transformative reform of recruitment policy of the Armed Forces and provide a unique opportunity to the youth to serve the country and contribute to nation building.

2. Recruitment Policy

The age limit for applicants of Agnipath scheme ranges from 17.5 years to 21 years. Candidates will be recruited under the respective Service Act for a duration of four years, which includes a training period. 

Agniveers will be imparted rigorous military training at the existing training centres. 'Agniveers' will be imparted with various military skills and experience, discipline, physical fitness, leadership qualities, courage and patriotism.

Enrolment will be based on 'All India All Class' basis. All candidates will have to meet the medical eligibility conditions laid down for enrolment in the armed forces as applicable to respective categories/trades. 

The educational qualification for 'Agniveers' will remain in vogue for enrollment in various categories like for entry into General Duty (GD) soldier, the educational qualification is Class 10. 

3. Compensation

Under the scheme, 'Agniveers' will be offered a salary package of Rs 4.76 lakh in the first year which goes up to Rs 6.92 lakh in the fourth and final year. Other applicable allowances include risk and hardship, ration, dress and travel.

There shall be no entitlement to gratuity and pensionary benefits. 'Agniveers' will be provided non-contributory Life Insurance Cover of Rs 48 lakh for the duration of their engagement period in the Indian Armed Forces.

4. Seva Nidhi

The scheme also includes a Seva Nidhi package of approximately Rs 11.71 lakh that would aid the Agniveer to pursue their future dreams without the financial pressure, which is normally the case for young people from the financially deprived strata of society.

A soldier will contribute 30 per cent of his emoluments and the government will also contribute an equal amount. During their retirement after four years, the soldiers will receive around Rs 11.71 lakh, which will be exempted from Income Tax.

5. Disability/Death Compensation

Soldiers disabled during their tenure will be given compensation based on the percentage of disability laid down by medical authorities. A one-time ex-gratia of Rs 44 lakh/Rs 25 lakh/Rs 15 lakh in the event of 100%/75%/50% disability, respectively will also be given.

Moreover, in the event of death, an additional ex-gratia of Rs 44 lakh for death attributable to service and pay for unserved portion up to four years, including the Seva Nidhi component. This will in addition to the non-contributory life insurance cover of Rs 48 lakh.