Agniveer is currently trending in the news. A review of the Agnipath scheme is being asked by youth. Most people are not aware of this scheme and people do not why it is trending right now. Mostly the youth between the ages of 17 to 21 are targeted for recruitment under it. With the Bharatiya Janata Party poised to form an NDA government at the Centre with the support of JD(U) and TDP, this scheme has become the talk again after many years now. Learn about this scheme and also learn why it is trending right now in this entire blog.
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What Is the Agnipath Scheme?
Agnipath scheme is a tour of duty style scheme that is approved by the Indian government on 14th June 2022. This scheme was implemented in the country in September 2022. This scheme is for the recruitment of soldiers below the rank of commissioned officers into the three services of the armed forces.
Every single recruit will be hired only for four years. The introduction of this scheme has been criticized because of the lack of consultation and public debate. Now it’s time to learn what is Agniveer. So scroll down to the next paragraph of this blog.
What Is Agniveer?
Agniveers are those candidates who get reuited under the Agnipath scheme. It is a new military rank. The recruitment through this scheme is to be twice a year for the Indian Army, the Indian Air Force, and the Indian Navy. As per the scheme, the posts available are below the officer cadre. However, the recruits who are named magnifiers serve for a tenure of four years. It will include the training for six months which is followed by 3.5 years deployment.
Agniveer will retire automatically after four years. In this scheme, after the retirement from the service, they will have the opportunity to apply to continue in the armed forces. The retired Agniveer will get a lump sum amount of around ₹11.71 lakh at the end of tenure. The government of India plans to youngsters are planned to be recruited through the scheme.
Also read: How Many Articles In The Indian Constitution?
Controversy Regarding Agnipath Scheme?
The Agnipath scheme has been criticized for lack of consultation and public debate. This scheme will bypass a lot of things which also include long tenures, pensions, and some other benefits that were there in the old system. The opposition parties in India criticized and also expressed their concerns about the consequences of the new scheme. The opposition party has asked the scheme to be put on hold and that the scheme be discussed in the parliament.
This scheme is criticized by many big people. It has been claimed that this scheme will not include long tenures, pensions, or any other benefits that ever existed in the old system. Because of this scheme, the aspiring people who wanted to join the Armed Forces were disappointed with the rules of the new scheme. The main cause of the concern was the short length of service.
Because of the introduction of this new scheme, the government of India stopped producing any white papers. The scheme was not even discussed in the parliament or it was not even discussed in the parliamentary standing committee on defence. Before the announcement of this scheme, no information about the scheme was given to the public.
Perks And Drawbacks Of Agniveer Scheme
The engineers who are under the Agnipath scheme will be given an attractive customized monthly package along with the high Risk and Hardship allowances as applicable in the services of three years. After completion of the service of four years, the candidates will be paid a one-time SevaNidhi package.
The Agniveers are fully eligible to receive ₹11.71 lakh, as per the SevaNidhi package and it also includes the interests. After the services of four years, the Agnveers will go back the society. The biggest drawback of this is that this scheme created a nationwide protest. Around 75% of the Agniveers will be let go after four years.
Recently during the Lok Sabha election campaign, the Congress made this a big issue and also asked whether the Agniveers would be willing to risk their lives if they knew their recruitment was for a short period.
Why Agniveer Scheme Is In Limelight Right Now?
Agniveer of Agnipath scheme is currently trending in the news again. The JDU Senios Leader KC Tyagi has recently stated on 6th June 2024, Thursday. In the statement, he stated that his party has extended unconditional support to the BJP-led NDA but emphasises the need to address the concerns which are regarding the Agnipatch scheme.
According to KC Tyagi, there are certain aspects of the Agniveer scheme that have left some voters dissatisfied. His party advocates through the entire discussion on these concerns that are raised by the public and their subsequent resolution.
Also read: How Many Articles Are There In The Indian Constitution, 448 or 470?
Why Is It An Issue Of National Debate?
This scheme has become the biggest national debate of current time. It has drawn huge criticism ever since it was introduced. A lot of young youth are against this scheme. They have pointed out that around 75% of recruits are left out in the cold because just around 25% of Agniveers will be enlisted in the Indian Army.
As per the current debate, the JD(U) expanded its list of demands from the incoming NDA government on 6th June 2024, Thursday and also included a revival of the Agniveer scheme which is an Armt recruitment program. The JD(U) national spokesperson K C Tyagi has claimed that the voter’s resentment is directed towards the Agipatch program and his party desired that the administration should review this entire program in depth to address its shortcomings.
What Will Agniveer Do After 4 Years?
The Indian government clarified in 2022 on the prospect of Agniveers who are not selected after 4 years. It is claimed that they will be given a big priority in CAPF. Through big businesses, it is claimed that they will favor hiring a competent and well-behaved Agniveer. They will also be given priority in bank loan schemes if they wish to become an entrepreneur. Or if they have to study further so they will also get help in it.
