In summary,
- The Center intends to modify the emoluments and entitlements of Agniveers.
- More Agniveers may be permitted to continue working full-time.
- The plan has sparked criticism and protests against the government.
According to Defence sources who spoke to India Today, the Centre is going to modify the Agnipath recruitment program. It may also raise the retention rate of Agniveers in the armed forces and make adjustments to benefits and emoluments. These changes are an attempt to enhance the program’s overall advantages and structure, which have drawn criticism from the opposition and protests from prospective Army members.
Senior officials in the Defence Ministry have revealed that discussions are underway to raise the retention rate of Agniveers so that more of them can stay on full-time duty after their first four-year term.
Presently, just twenty-five percent of Agniveers remain after their first tour of duty; military analysts consider this to be insufficient.
According to a senior Defense insider, “one-fourth is too low a number to be retained to maintain the desired combat strength on the ground.” “The Army has recommended that the percentage of Agniveers retained should increase to around 50% at the end of the four years,” the source further said.
The Army has previously provided the government with recommendations about these proposed modifications based on internal input and surveys carried out across different units and formations.
Senior defense officials stated that although the procedure may require some time, the required adjustments will be made to improve the Agnipath program.
WHAT IS THE AGNIPATH SCHEME?
In an effort to trim the defense pension bill and make the armed services more lean, the Center proposed the plan in 2022. Under the plan, individuals referred to as Agniveers are hired by the Army, Navy, and Air Force on a four-year fixed-term contract. Just 25% of all yearly recruits are granted permanent commissions to continue.
The Agnipath plan, however, was met with opposition across the country as prospective Army members pointed out that those who left the army after four years would face an unclear future. The Congress-led opposition has called for the policy to be rolled down, while the NDA’s allies have asked for a review of it.
Furthermore, according to BJP internal reports, the party lost the most recent Lok Sabha elections in the areas that supply the greatest number of defense workers.