Agnipath Scheme – Why People Are Protesting Against it?

Quick glance:

• The Agnipath scheme is a center-sponsored scheme for 2022.
• Under this scheme, the youth can get the chance to serve the Indian army for 4 years.

The Agnipath Scheme of the Central government of India is facing backlash in different parts of the country. The violent protests have been started in different states of Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh etc.

Thousands of people are taking part in these protests. The buses, cars and railways are set on fire. Estimated loss of properties is about 500 crores. Haryana has suspended internet and SMS services amid the protests.

Congress, the main opposition party in India, announced Satyagraha at Jantar Mantar, Delhi.

What is Agnipath Scheme?

Defence Minister Mr. Rajnath Singh launched Agnipath scheme on 14th June. Under this scheme, the youth are invited to serve the country with immense enthusiasm.

In the first batch of 2022, about 46000 soldiers will be recruited in the army and they will be called Agniveers. Out of these 46000 soldiers, 25% of well-skilled soldiers will be recruited permanently by the armed forces.

The Provisions of Agnipath Scheme are; 

• Under this scheme, the soldier will be recruited for 4 years and will be given a good financial package. Out of total monthly salary, 70% salary will be given in their hand and 30% will go to the Corpus Fund. It is to be noted that there is no provision for pensions for soldiers.

• There will be no tax on the ‘Corpus Fund‘ amount.
• This corpus fund will be given to Agniveers after the end of their 4-year duties in the Seva Nidhi Package. Half of the amount of the corpus fund, which is 5.02 lakh, will be contributed by the government, and the other half will be contributed by the employee himself.
• No medical and canteen facilities after the end of contract period of 4 years. 
• The age limit for recruitment was fixed between 17.5 to 21 years.
• There is provision of life insurance of 48 lakh rupees, in case of death of soldier while serving in the Army.
• They will be given bank loans after completion of their service so that they can start their own business.

At the end of the 4 year period, the govt. will provide a skill certificate to the soldiers, which will help them in getting jobs in future.

Why Are People Protesting Against the ‘Agnipath’ scheme? 

➔ The main doubt of students, what will happen to the permanent recruitment to the army as they consider army jobs as their career choice and preparing for the recruitment in the army.

➔ Another question raised by the youth is that after the service of 4 year what they will do. The future is not secure. The govt. should increase this service to 7 or 8 years.

➔ The age limit for enrollment in the scheme is very low. 

➔ Some Experts saying that the recruitment of inexperienced youth in the armed forces will reduce the operational effectiveness of the Indian Army. However, the Govt. is saying that other countries have also implemented this type of scheme and the results turned out to be good.

While the Govt. is saying that the opposition parties are misleading the youth.

Which amendments are made in Agnipath Scheme after protests?

After violent protests, the government amended the Agnipath scheme within 24 hours of the launch of the scheme.

The following are the amendments;

• The govt. has now increased the maximum age from 21 to 23 years for the first batch in 2022.

• The Defence Minister Mr. Rajnath Singh announced a 10% reservation for Agniveers in the recruitment of Defence jobs. Similarly, the Merchant Navy, India Airways, and the Coast Guard also announced a 10% reservation in recruitment in the respective fields.

• Mr. Amit Shah, Home Affairs Minister, announced 10% reservation for Agniveers in the recruitment in Assam Rifles and CAPF.(Central Armed Police Force) Haryana. Also, some states like Assam reserved seats for Agniveers in the recruitment of police.

• Soldiers, who will recruit now can carry on with their graduation while serving in the army.

What are the benefits of Agnipath Scheme?

➔ The government said that the nation would benefit from the enthusiastic and displaced youth.

➔ The average age in the armed forces is 32 years, which is higher than other countries. It is expected that after this scheme the average age will be decreased to 26 years, which will benefit the army in future. This year’s total defense budget stands at 5.25 lakh crore. Out of this amount, 1.19 lakh crore goes for pension payments.

➔In Agnipath scheme there is no provision of pension. The aim is to modernize the army with this saved money and make more investments in capital equipment for defence.

➔ Another benefit is that the people who will serve in the Army, when they return to their normal lives, will form a disciplined society.

➔ The youth will get the chance to serve the country and help the nation in an emergency. They will contribute to the overall betterment of the nation.

➔ The youth are more educated and technology-friendly than the general population, so effectiveness will increase in the army when the country is facing risk on two fronts: China and Pakistan.

➔ After 4 years, the Agniveers will be given the skill certificate. They will be given preference in the selection of state police.

➔ It will develop a feeling of nationalism and qualities of courage, discipline, risk-taking, enthusiasm, and dedication in youngsters.

In the end, the government should take the demands of the youth into consideration and consult with them as they are the backbone of the Indian Army.