Agnipath Scheme: What is Agniveer Yojana and why is it being opposed, know here
The Agneepath scheme recruits youth in all three branches of the army - Navy, Army, and Air Force, calling them Agniveers. The initiative started in 2022 and has faced protests several times since its inception. This time, it is being said that the impact of the scheme was also felt during the elections, leading to discontent among the youth. Before discussing further, let us understand what this scheme entails.
What is the scheme?
Under this scheme, recruitment is done for youth in the age group of 17 to 21 years in all three branches of the army. From time to time, recruitment drives are announced, where interested youth join the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, and Indian Navy. These recruitments vary by region, separate drives and examinations are conducted for states like Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan, and the results are published accordingly.
Four-year appointment
Under this recruitment process, the selected youth are appointed to the army for four years. After these four years, only 25% of them are permanently retained in the army, while the rest retire.
Eligibility
Applicants can apply for the posts from class 10th to 12th. They get different salaries every year, starting from Rs 30,000 in the first year, Rs 33,000 in the second year, Rs 36,500 in the third year, and Rs 40,000 in the fourth year. The selection involves passing several levels of examinations, from written exams to physical assessments. However, if they are killed in battle, they are not given martyr status.
Why the controversy?
There are many controversies surrounding the Agneepath scheme, mainly related to forced retirement after four years of service. This compulsory retirement is being severely criticized by the youth. Only 25% of them get permanent appointments, which is not satisfactory for many. Additionally, despite contributing Rs 5.02 lakh annually from their salaries to the Kuppar Fund, soldiers will only get a lump sum of Rs 11.71 lakh after four years, which is significantly less than regular soldiers. However, they will be exempted from paying taxes. They will not get pension benefits, graduation opportunities, canteen facilities, or martyr status. These shortcomings have caused anger among the youth, leading to protests against the scheme. It is also believed that the recent elections in states like Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan, where a large number of youth joined the army, have shown their discontent, leading to the government facing consequences. As a result, it is likely that the government may consider making changes to the scheme this time.
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