What is the Agnipath scheme and what are its advantages?

  • AGNIPATH Scheme in the Indian Armed Forces is a scheme wherein selected candidates will be enrolled as Agniveers for four years period. On completion of the four-year period, Agniveers will go to the society as a disciplined, dynamic, motivated, and skilled workforce for employment in other sectors to pursue their career in a job of their choice.
    Based on organizational requirements and policies promulgated by the Armed Forces, 100% of the Agniveers will be offered an opportunity to apply for enrolment in the permanent cadre after completing their engagement period. Of these 25% of Agniveers will be selected to be enrolled in the Armed Forces as a regular cadre.
    The scheme provides an avenue for Indian youth, desirous of serving the country to get recruited into the Armed Forces for a short duration. The scheme enhances the youth profile of the Armed Forces.

    Advantages

    This proposal envisages providing the opportunity to the youth to serve in the military for a short duration,
    It will also lead to a much more youthful and technically adept war fighting force by ensuring a fine balance between youthful and experienced personnel in the Armed Forces.

What are the broad objectives of the Scheme?

  • The broad objectives of the Scheme are:
    a. To enhance youthful profile of the Armed Forces so that they are at their fighting best at all times with increased risk taking ability.
    b. 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.
    c. To provide an opportunity to the youth who may be keen to serve the Nation in uniform albeit for a short period of time.
    d. To imbibe The Armed Forces ethos, courage, camaraderie, commitment, and teamwork in the youth.
    e. To provide abilities and qualities such as discipline, dynamism, motivation, and work skills so that the youth remains an asset.

What benefits are envisaged to be accrued from 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 on 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.
  • 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.

What would be the impact of the scheme on the operational preparedness of the Armed Forces?

  • There would be no impact of the implementation of the scheme on the operations preparedness of the Armed Forces. By having a younger profile that is more fighting fit with fewer encumbrances, it is expected that the risk-taking capability of this personnel would be higher. With the infusion of technology and revamping of the training programs, the Armed Forces would ensure that the personnel inducted under the scheme have the same skill sets which are required to meet the operational challenges. Since the training standards are clearly defined, and monitored by the highest authorities in the Armed Forces, it would be ensured that the Agniveers meet the highest professional standards.

The Scheme envisions younger age profile of the Armed Forces. Is the Age eligibility criterion for enrolment under the Scheme different from the earlier practice?

  • Candidates between 1712 to 21 years of age meeting other educational, physical and medical criteria would largely be enrolled as Agniveers. The Scheme also aims to harness the “Skill India” initiative by enrolling candidates qualified in ITI/Diploma holders in future with the necessary skills for certain technical trades.

Can the Agniveers opt for enrolment in the Permanent Cadre?

  • Based on organisational requirement and policies promulgated by the Armed Forces, 100% of the Agniveers after completing their engagement period, will be offered an opportunity to apply for enrolment in the permanent cadre. These applications will be considered by a centralised transparent rigorous screening system which would be based on merit and demonstrated performance during service. 25% of the Agniveers would be selected for enrolment in the permanent Cadre as per the existing Terms and Conditions. Selection of Agniveers for further enrolment into the Armed Forces will be the exclusive jurisdiction of the Government through laid down policies.

How does the scheme compare to the other nations?

  • A careful analysis of the methodology of induction, retention and release of Armed Forces personnel in various developed countries was carried out to adopt the best practices being followed in these countries. The analysis revealed the following:
    a. Primarily Volunteer Model. All countries including those who have conscription have a volunteer Armed Forces once the mandatory time stipulation is over.

How will this scheme ensure recruitment from all over the country?

  • The present scheme is based on unity in diversity with equal opportunity to youth including women from all regions of the country to serve the Nation. The scheme aims to capitalize on the broad based talent pool of the Nation and select the best for a career in the Armed Forces. The present pattern of selection in to the Armed Forces is not being changed with the introduction of the scheme. The only change that is happening is in the Terms and Conditions of service. As you all are aware, that the three Services are having well established selections centers spread over the country which have enabled them to recruit people from even the remotest part of the Nation. Since these very selection centers would continue to undertake the responsibility of recruiting personnel, we expect that the all India representation would not be affected by the introduction of the scheme.
  • Education Ministry to recognize in-service training received by Agniveers as credits for graduation.
  • Under IGNOU’s specially designed degree programme, in-service training to count for 50 percent credit, the rest to come from a choice-based basket of courses.
  • Programme to provide for multiple entry-exit points with appropriate certification at every level
  • Degree to be granted by IGNOU, with recognition in India and abroad for employment and education
  • Programme will open up opportunities for Agniveers to pursue civilian careers of their choice

The Union Cabinet on 14th June, 2022 approved an attractive recruitment scheme for Indian youth to serve in the Armed Forces called AGNIPATH and the youth selected under this scheme will be known as Agniveers. AGNIPATH allows patriotic and motivated youth to serve in the Armed Forces for a period of four years. The AGNIPATH scheme has been designed to enable a youthful profile of the Armed Forces.

In order to enhance the future career prospects of our Agniveers, and equip them for various job roles in the civilian sector, the Ministry of Education is to launch a special, three year skill based bachelor degree programme for serving defence personnel that will recognize the skill training received by them during their tenure in the defence establishments.

Under this programme that has been designed by IGNOU and will also be executed by them, 50 % of the credits required for a graduate degree will come from the skill training - both technical and non-technical - received by the Agniveer, and the remaining 50 % will come from a basket of courses that cover a wide variety of subjects like languages, Economics, History, Political Science, Public Administration, Sociology, Mathematics, Education, Commerce, Tourism, Vocational Studies, Agriculture and Jyotish, as also Ability Enhancement Courses on Environmental Studies and Communication Skills in English.

This programme is aligned with UGC norms and with the National Credit Framework / National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF) as mandated under the National Education Policy 2020. It also has provision for multiple exit points – Undergraduate Certificate on successful completion of the first year courses, Undergraduate Diploma on successful completion of the first and second year courses, and Degree on completion of all the courses in three year time frame.

The framework of the programme has been duly recognized by the concerned regulatory bodies - All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET) and UGC. Degree will be awarded by IGNOU as per UGC nomenclature (BA; B. Com.; BA (vocational); BA (Tourism Management), and will be recognized both in India and abroad for employment and education.

Army, Navy and Air Force will sign Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with IGNOU for implementation of the scheme.

भारतीय सेनाओ को विश्व की बेहतरीन सेना बनाने की दिशा में आज Cabinet Committee on Security ने एक ऐतिहासिक निर्णय लिया है I आज हम ‘अग्निपथ’ नामक एक transformative योजना ला रहे हैं जो हमारी Armed Forces में transformative changes लाकर उन्हें fully modern और well equipped बनाएगी Rajnath Singh

अग्निपथ’ योजना में भारतीय युवाओं को, बतौर ‘अग्निवीर’ armed forces में सेवा का अवसर प्रदान किया जाएगा। यह योजना देश की सुरक्षा को मजबूत करने एवं हमारे युवाओं को military service का अवसर देने के लिए लाई गई है: Rajnath Singh

आप सब इस बात से जरूर सहमत होंगे, कि संपूर्ण राष्ट्र, खास तौर पर हमारे युवा, armed forces को सम्मान की दृष्टि से देखते हैं। अपने जीवन काल में कभी न कभी प्रत्येक बच्चा सेना की वर्दी धारण करने की तमन्ना रखता है Rajnath Singh

Youthful profile से यह फायदा भी होगा, कि उन्हें नई-नई technologies के लिए आसानी से Train किया जा सकेगा, और उनकी health और Fitness का Level भी बेहतर होगा Rajnath Singh

अग्निपथ योजना के अंतर्गत यह प्रयास किया जा रहा है, कि Indian Armed Forces का profile उतना ही youthful हो, जितना कि wider Indian population का profile है Rajnath Singh

इससे economy को भी higher skilled workforce की उपलब्धता होगी जो productivity gain और overall GDP growth में सहायक होगा. अग्निपथ’ योजना से employment opportunities बढ़ेगी। अग्निवीर सेवा के दौरान अर्जित skills एवं experience, उन्हें विभिन्न क्षेत्रों में employment प्राप्त होंगे Rajnath Singh

अग्निवीरों के लिए एक अच्छी pay package, 4 साल की सेवा के बाद exit पर Seva Nidhi Package एवं एक liberal ‘Death and disability package’ की भी व्यवस्था की गई है

Prof. Nageshwar Rao VC IGNOU ne kaha, yah yojana yuva agnishaamakon aur raksha balon ke any karmiyon ke lie sakriy seva ke baad pun: rojagaar ke daayare ko badhaane ke lie taiyaar ki gai hai.

#AgnipathScheme

Violent protests are going on in different parts of the country against Agnipath Scheme. Meanwhile, Many trains have been stopped at Deendayal Upadhyay Junction at Varanasi Juction .

  • 12802 Purusottm Express
  • 20802 Magadh Express
  • 22450 New Delhi Gauhati Northeast Sampark Kranti
  • 12391 Shramjeevi Express
  • 12792 Danapur Secunderabad Express
  • 12142 Patliputra Lokmanyatilak Express
  • 13250 Bhabua Patna Intercity
  • 03693 Dehri On Sone - DDU Passenger
  • 12362 CSMT ANSOL EXPRESS
  • 15657 Brahmaputra Mail
  • 19313 Indore Patna Express
  • 19483 Ahmedabad Barauni Express

Some more official information about the Agnipath scheme:

  • One in 4 get a confirmed job, chance of Absorption
  • Opportunities for recruitment in big companies
  • Better job options than others
  • Opportunity to settle in life in 24 years
  • Priority in the Allied Forces of the Police
  • Priority in CAPFs and Assam Rifles
  • At the age of 21-24 years, with the savings of 7-8 lakhs, you will be able to add an amount of 20 lakhs.
  • 12 lakh deposit
  • 4 mein se ek ko pakkee naukaree, absorption ka mauka
  • badee kampaniyon mein niyukti ke avasar
  • any kee tulana mein naukaree ke behatar vikalp
  • 24 saal mein jeevan mein saittlai hone ka avasar
  • police ke sahayogee balon mein praathamikata
  • capfs va assam raiphals mein praathamikata
  • 21-24 varsh kee aayu mein 7-8 laakh kee savings ke saath 20 laakh kee raashi jod sakenge
  • 12 laakh kee jamaapoonjee

Why people are protesting against the scheme?

Support to Agnipath Scheme by Department of School Education & Literacy through National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS)

The Ministry of Defence, GoI has unveiled the “Agnipath” scheme which is a pan India merit-based recruitment scheme for enrolling soldiers, airmen and sailors. It is a transformative initiative that will provide a youthful profile to the armed forces. Under this scheme, young persons will be provided an opportunity to serve in the armed forces as “Agniveer”. It provides an opportunity for youth to serve in the regular cadre of the armed forces for a period of 4 years including training period. Agniveers shall be recruited between the ages of 17.5 to 21 years. Candidates who are 10th /12th pass can apply for the recruitment process.
The Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education welcomes this initiative of the Government of India to induct young men and women into the armed forces to develop a vibrant defence force and disciplined skilled youth with military ethos in civil society.

To support this initiative, the Department of School Education & Literacy through its autonomous institution, the National Institute of Open Schooling, is instituting a special programme in consultation with the Defence Authorities to enable those Agniveers who are 10th class pass to further their education and obtain a 12th class pass Certificate by developing customized courses that are not only current but very relevant to their area of service. This certificate is recognised for both employment and higher education purposes in the whole country. This will benefit the Agniveers to gain adequate educational qualification and skills to take up productive role in society later in life. This special programme of NIOS will facilitate enrolment, development of courses, student support, provision of self-learning material, accreditation of study centres, personal contact programme, evaluation and certification. Open schooling system of NIOS which is extremely user friendly and accessible to all from anywhere, anytime opens its doors to all the Agniveers under the Agnipath Scheme.

DFS holds meeting with Public Sector Banks, Insurance Companies & Financial Institutions to identify ways to support Agniveers
PSBs, PSICs & FIs to work on modalities to support Agniveers through suitable credit facilities, existing Govt Schemes and Insurance products

The Union Cabinet on 14th June, 2022 approved an attractive recruitment scheme for Indian youth service in the Armed Forces called AGNIPATH and the youth selected under this scheme will be known as ‘Agniveers’. AGNIPATH allows patriotic and motivated youth to serve in the Armed Forces for the period of four years. The AGNIPATH scheme has been designed to enable a youthful profile of the Armed Forces.

In order to identify ways in which the Banks and Financial Institutions can support the ‘Agniveers’ on completion of their tenure of duty, the Secretary, Department of Financial Services (DFS) held a meeting with Chief Executives of Public Sector Banks (PSBs), Public Sector Insurance Companies (PSICs) and Financial Institutions (FIs), here today. In the meeting, Joint Secretary, Department of Military Affairs made a presentation on the salient aspects of the AGNIPATH scheme.

During the meeting, it was decided that PSBs, PSICs and FIs would explore employment opportunities for ‘Agniveers’ in suitable capacities based on their educational qualifications and skills through suitable benefits/relaxations, etc.

It was also decided that Banks would explore possibilities of supporting ‘Agniveers’ through suitable credit facilities for skill upgradation, education for setting up businesses and to take up self-employment. The existing Government schemes such as MUDRA, Stand Up India etc. would be leveraged for extending such support to ‘Agniveers’.

Finally,
As violent protests escalate against Agnipath’s radical new scheme to recruit soldiers for only four years, the government announced late Thursday that the upper age limit for candidates would now be raised from 21 to 23 as a one-time exception.

The government also stressed that military recruitment in the coming years will be about three times the current recruitment rate, while also opening up several opportunities for those demobilized after a four-year tenure.

4 साल बाद क्या करेंगे ‘अग्निवीर (Agniveer)’

  • 4 साल के Disciplined और Skilled जीवन के बाद 24 साल की उम्र का व्यक्ति अन्य की तुलना में नौकरी पाने के लिए हमेशा एक बेहतर विकल्प होगा

  • 4 साल बाद ग्रह मंत्रलय ने योग्य अग्निवीरों को CAPFs और असम राइफल्स में भर्ती में प्राथमिकता देनेकी बात कही हैं।

  • 4 में से 1 को पक्की नौकरी, करियर में Absorption का चांस क्या कम है ? कितने लोगों के पास 21 से 24 साल के बीच 12 लाख की जमा पूँजी होती है ?

  • 4 साल बाद आप जैसे Skilled 3 Disciplined अग्निवीर को कई बड़ी कंपनियोंने अपने यहाँ Hire करने का ऐलान किया है

  • 4 साल में अग्निवीरों के लिए शुरू होगी ग्रेजुएशन डिग्री कोर्स, देश और विदेश में मिलेगी मान्यता।

  • 21 से 24 साल की आयु में लगभग 20 लाख की राशि जोड़ सकेंगे, 4 साल में 7-8 लाख की Savings और 12 लाख केंद्र देगी आप में से कितने लोग 24 साल में जीवन में Settle हो जाते हैं ?

  • 4 साल बाद कई राज्य सरकार जैसे उत्तर प्रदेश, मध्य प्रदेश, उत्तराखंड, हरियाणा और असम ने अग्निवीरों को सेवा के उपरांत पुलिस व पुलिस के सहयोगी बलों में समायोजित करने में प्राथमिकता देने की बात कही है।