The Indian government has introduced a new recruitment scheme for the armed forces called "Agneepath". The scheme is designed to reduce the average age of the army and decrease the defense budget spent on manpower. Under the scheme, 46,000 soldiers will be recruited for a period of four years, after which 25% will be retained in the army and the rest will be released. The recruits, called "Agniveers", will receive a salary of ₹30,000 to ₹40,000 per month and a one-time payment of ₹11.71 lakh upon completion of their service. However, they will not be entitled to pension or gratuity benefits.
The scheme has been met with widespread criticism and protests, with many arguing that it is unfair to the recruits and will lead to a shortage of skilled and experienced soldiers in the armed forces. Critics also point out that the scheme is not a job, but rather a four-year training program, and that the Agniveers will be left without a secure future or benefits after their service.
The government's decision to implement the Agneepath scheme is seen as a cost-cutting measure, with the aim of reducing the defense budget spent on manpower and increasing the amount available for modernization and technology upgrades. However, many believe that the scheme is ill-conceived and will have negative consequences for the armed forces and the country as a whole.
The protests against the Agneepath scheme have been marked by violence and destruction of public property, which has been widely condemned. Many have called for peaceful protests and dialogue to address the concerns and issues surrounding the scheme.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The Agneepath scheme is a recruitment scheme for soldiers in the Indian Armed Forces.
2. The scheme is open to individuals between the ages of 17.5 and 21 years.
3. Applicants must have a 10th or 12th pass certificate to apply for the scheme.
4. The recruitment process will be the same as before, with physical and medical exams.
5. There are no openings for females in the scheme yet, but it is expected to be open to them soon.
6. The scheme will recruit 46,000 soldiers initially.
7. The salary for soldiers under the Agneepath scheme will be higher than before, with a starting salary of ₹30,000 per year.
8. The salary will increase every year, with a maximum salary of ₹40,000 per year.
9. 30% of the salary will go into an Agniveer fund, which is similar to a provident fund.
10. The government will also deposit the same amount into the Agniveer fund.
11. Soldiers under the Agneepath scheme will not be eligible for pension or gratuity.
12. After 4 years of service, 25% of Agniveers will be taken into the army, while the remaining 75% will be released.
13. The Agneepath scheme has a skill-based education component, with a memorandum of understanding with IGNOU to provide a bachelor's degree.
14. The scheme has a no-pension policy for soldiers who serve for 4 years.
15. The scheme aims to reduce the average age of the army and make it more youthful.
16. The defense budget is ₹5.25 trillion, with ₹1.19 trillion going towards pension and salary.
17. The Agneepath scheme aims to reduce the manpower expenses of the army and allocate more funds to modernize the armed forces.
18. The scheme has been criticized for its no-pension policy and the lack of job security for soldiers.
19. The government has announced a 10% reservation for Agniveers in the police and CAPF.
20. The Agneepath scheme has been implemented to address the shortage of 1,65,000 personnel in the armed forces.
21. The scheme has been criticized for its execution and the lack of clarity on whether it will run parallel to existing recruitment schemes.
22. The government has stated that the scheme will not be optional, and all recruitment at the soldier level will be done through the Agneepath scheme.