The Agnipath Scheme, launched in June 2022, represents a transformative reform in the recruitment policy of the Indian Armed Forces.
1. Core Institutional Framework
- Definition: A pan-India merit-based recruitment scheme for enrolling soldiers, airmen, and sailors into the three services (Army, Navy, and Air Force).
- Rank: Agniveers form a distinct rank in the Armed Forces, different from any other existing ranks.
- Tenure: Enrolled for a fixed period of four years, including a training period of approximately six months.
- Post-Tenure Selection: After four years, based on merit and organizational requirements, up to 25% of each specific batch will be enrolled in the regular cadre of the Armed Forces for an additional 15 years of service.
2. Eligibility and Enrollment
- Age Limit: Candidates must be between 17.5 to 21 years of age. (Note: A one-time relaxation to 23 years was given in the inaugural year 2022).
- Gender: Open to both men and women (subject to service requirements). The Navy and Air Force have already inducted women under this scheme.
- Educational Qualification: Varies by category (e.g., Class 10th for General Duty, Class 12th for Technical roles).
3. Financial Package: The “Seva Nidhi” Strategy
The financial structure is designed to provide “financial liquidly” to Agniveers at the end of their tenure.
- Monthly Package: Fixed at ₹30,000 in the 1st year, rising to ₹40,000 in the 4th year.
- Seva Nidhi Fund: 30% of the monthly salary is contributed by the Agniveer.
- An equal amount (matching contribution) is provided by the Government.
- Total Corpus: Upon completion of four years, Agniveers receive a one-time package of approximately ₹11.71 Lakh (plus interest), which is exempt from Income Tax.
- Insurance: A non-contributory Life Insurance Cover of ₹48 Lakh is provided during the service period.
4. Post-Service Rehabilitation & Incentives
To ensure a smooth transition into civil life, the government and various states have announced several measures:
- Education: Provision for a “Certificate of Service” and a bridge course (via NIOS/IGNOU) to provide educational credits equivalent to higher secondary or graduation.
- Job Reservations:10% Reservation in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and Assam Rifles.
- 10% Reservation in the Coast Guard, Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), and Ministry of Defence civil posts.
- Several states (e.g., UP, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh) have announced preference for Agniveers in state police recruitment.
- Financial Support: Banks have introduced specialized Agniveer Personal Loans for those wishing to start businesses with their Seva Nidhi corpus.
5. Strategic Significance for India
- Youthful Profile: Aimed at bringing down the average age of the Indian Armed Forces from 32 to 26 years.
- Techno-Savvy Force: Taps into the digital-native youth to handle modern, technology-intensive warfare.
- Financial Sustainability: Aims to reduce the burgeoning Pension Bill, allowing more funds to be diverted toward “Capital Modernization” of the military.
Q. With reference to the 'Agnipath' scheme, consider the following statements:
I. Agniveers are entitled to receive a monthly pension after the completion of their four-year tenure.
II. The Seva Nidhi package received by Agniveers at the end of their service is fully exempt from Income Tax.
III. Up to 50% of each batch of Agniveers is eligible for permanent enrollment in the regular cadre of the Armed Forces.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A) II only
B) I and II only
C) II and III only
D) I, II and III
Answer: A) II only.
Explanation:
-Statement I is incorrect as the Agnipath scheme is specifically designed as a "non-pensionary" service to reduce the long-term defense pension bill; instead, it provides a one-time "Seva Nidhi" severance package.
Statement II is correct as the Union Budget (under Section 10(12C) of the Income Tax Act) explicitly grants tax-free status to the entire Seva Nidhi corpus, including the interest and the government's matching contribution.
-Statement III is incorrect because the current policy cap for permanent absorption into the regular cadre is 25% of each batch, based on merit and organizational requirements during their 4-year tenure.
