The Government of India announced the Agnipath Recruitment Scheme on June 15, in order to recruit the youth of India for four years in the Indian Armed Forces (Army/Navy/Airforce) at non-commissioned ranks. The selected candidates will be called ‘Agniveers’ and will be recruited after a physical fitness exam and medical checkup, similar to the recruitment rallies that happen in Indian Armed Forces.
For their service of four years, they will be given different ranks which will be different from the ranks in Indian Armed Forces. After four years of service, 25% of the selected candidates will be inducted into Indian Armed Forces, similar to the cadre for the permanent recruitment. The eligibility criteria for the application are from 17.5 to 21 years of age, it will be open for all classes. Recently, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced 10% vacancies for recruitment in CAPFs and Assam Rifles as well as in defense posts.
Agniveers will be provided medical aid and CSD provisions similar to the armed forces personnel during their service tenure. Also, there will be no exit allowed during the four years of the tenure. The salary will be starting at Rs. 30,000 per month with a 30% reduction, and no provident fund facility will be availed. The candidates will be assigned an IGNOU graduation certificate.
Rs. 11.5 lakh package will be added for Seva Nidhi. A total of Rs. 48 lakh will be a non-contributory life insurance to the family of the deceased personnel. The ex-gratia of Rs. 44 lakh for 100% disability, Rs. 25 for 75%, and Rs. 15 lakh for 50% disability. For candidates who will not be selected for the Indian Armed Forces, 25% of candidates will be selected for normal recruitment, PSUs, government agencies, paramilitary forces, and state government.
Why the Protests?
There have been many questions about the scheme and the future of candidates, hence there have been protests against the scheme in a few states including Telangana, Bihar, and also Gujarat. According to the reports of the Centre for Monitoring the Indian Economy (CMIE), India’s workforce participation rate declined from 47% in 2016 to 39.9% in May 2022. Also due to backlash the economy faced during the pandemic has been fearing people to have temporary positions, demanding permanent positions.
