Context:

  • India unilaterally announced Agnipath scheme without consulting Nepal and this has led to the shrinking of Gorkha regiments in the army.

About:

  • Agneepath scheme is a central government scheme launched in 2022.
  • Under the scheme, Indian youth can join the Indian Army for four years and will be able to serve the country.
  • This is a pan-India scheme so any Indian youth can apply for this job and join the Indian Army.

The broad objectives of the Scheme are:

  • To enhance youthful profile of the Armed Forces so that they are at their fighting best at all times with increased risk taking ability.
  • To attract young talent from the society to effectively exploit, adopt and use emerging modern technologies with enhanced technical thresholds of intake while leveraging Technical Institutions of the country.
  • To provide an opportunity to the youth who may be keen to serve the Nation in uniform albeit for a short period of time.
  • To imbibe The Armed Forces ethos, cotzraye, camaraderie, commitment and teamwork in the youth.
  • To provide abilities and qualities such as discipline, dynamism, motivation and work-skills so that the youth remains an asset.

Eligibility:

  • Candidates between the age of5 years to 21 yearswill be eligible for enrolling in the Agnipath scheme.

Key features of the scheme:

  • It’s a Pan India married-based recruitment system. That means anyone from anywhere in India can apply for this job.
  • It’s a four-years tenure job.
  • Opportunity to serve in the armed forces as Agniveers.
  • Attractive monthly emoluments and handsome Seva Nidhi package.
  • 100% opportunity to apply for permanent enrollment.
  • Enrollment model based on Agneepath scheme.
  • Based on organizational requirements, 25% of Agniveers selected based on a Central, transparent, rigorous system, after 4 years.
  • Under this scheme, the youth will get an annual package of 4.76 lakh in the first year.
  • 4th year of their serving time the annual package will be increased to 6.9 to lakh.
  • After the 4 years of service, the service fund of rupees 11.7 lakh will be given to the youth.
  • This money will be totally tax-free. Apart from this other risk and hardship allowance will also be available.
  • In total, this is a good package for youth to serve their four years in the army.

Benefits of the scheme:

  • The scheme would be a win win situation for the Armed Forces, Nation, individuals and the society at large.

Nation:

  • National Integration based in unity in diversity with equal opportunity to youth including women from all regions.
  • Nation Building through empowered, disciplined & skilled youth with military ethos in civil society.

Armed Forces:

  • Improved battle preparedness through transformative evolution with energetic, fitter, diverse, more trainable and resilient youth suited to the changing dynamics.
  • Selection of the Best with rigorous and transparent selection process.
  • Youthful Profile by optimal balance of youth & experience.
  • Endeavour to Harness benefits of SKILL INDIA by induction from Tech Institutes.

Individuals:

  • Opportunity for Youth to fulfil dream of joining the Armed Forces and serve the Nation.
  • Imbibe military discipline, motivation, skill and physical fitness.
  • Smooth integration into society with skill sets, certification and diplomas/ higher education/credits.
  • Good financial package making him more stable than his civilian counterparts.
  • Confident & better citizens by military training, team building, ethos & camaraderie forged over the years.
  • Resume so unique that an Agniveer will stand out in the crowd.
Syllabus: Prelims