Agnipath scheme for four-year military tour of duty unveiled byMinister of Defence Rajnath Singh


Agneepath Yojana Entry Scheme 2022: The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on May 14, 2022, approved a new short-term recruitment policy called "Agnipath" for Indian youth to serve in the armed forces as "Agniveers".

Key Details:

  • Following extensive deliberation over the last two years, the Cabinet Committee on Security authorized the radical recruitment programme.
  • The policy, which comes into immediate effect, will hereafter govern the enrolment for the three services.
  • The Agnipath scheme, earlier christened as "Tour of Duty", was launched in the presence of Union Minister of Defence Rajnath Singh and the chiefs of the three services.

Note: The Agnipath scheme will also be “progressively opened”  for women based on service requirements.

About the scheme:

  • The process to recruit 46,000 soldiers, sailors and airmen this year will begin on an “all-India, all-class” basis within 90 days.
  • This new scheme will enable youngsters aged 17.5 to 21 to be inducted into any of the three services as “Agniveers” for a period of four years.
  • Under the new scheme, around 45,000 to 50,000 soldiers will be recruited annually, and most will leave the service in just four years.
  • Of the total annual recruits, only 25% of soldiers i.e., the best professionals will be allowed to continue for another 15 years under permanent commission.
  • During this period of service to the nation, the Agniveers will be imparted with various military skills and experience, discipline, physical fitness, leadership qualities, courage and patriotism.
  • Post this stint of four years, the Agniveers will be infused into the civil society where they can contribute immensely towards the nation-building process.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • The new system is only for personnel below officer ranks (those who do not join the forces as commissioned officers).
  • They would form a distinct rank in the Armed Forces, different from any other existing ranks.
  • Aspirants between the ages of 17.5 years and 21 years will be eligible to apply.
  • The recruitment standards will remain the same, and recruitment will be done twice a year through rallies.

Benefits to the Agniveers:

  • Agniveers will be given an attractive customized monthly package along with Risk and Hardship allowances as applicable in the three services.
  • On completion of the engagement period of four years, Agniveers will be paid one time ‘Seva Nidhi’ package which shall comprise their contribution including accrued interest thereon and matching contribution from the Government.
  • The ‘Seva Nidhi’ will be exempt from Income Tax.
  • Agniveers will be provided a non-contributory Life Insurance Cover of Rs 48 lakhs for the duration of their engagement period in the Indian Armed Forces.
  • Also, the soldiers relieved of service will also be assisted in getting placed in civilian jobs after completing their 4 years term.
  • In case of death, the payout will be over Rs 1 crore, including pay for the unserved tenure.

 


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