Bhubaneswar/ New Delhi, Aug 7: The Agniveer scheme, also known as the Agnipath scheme, was announced by the Indian government in June 2022. This scheme aimed to modernise and streamline the recruitment process in the Indian armed forces by introducing a short-term service model.

The Agniveer scheme is in the news these days after Rahul Gandhi and his coalition partner Akhilesh Yadav levelled allegations against the Narendra Modi government. Gandhi and Yadav say the programme is allegedly jeopardising the future of the country's youth.

However, critics of the Indian National Congress (INC) and its coalition partners have highlighted that Gandhi and Yadav are only spreading lies about the scheme as reforms to the Indian armed forces were first conceived during their father Rajiv Gandhi's prime ministership.

Moreover, one should not forget that it was the Congress which introduced the Short Service Commission (SSC) for officers in the defence forces.

Interestingly, while short-service commissioned officers in the Indian Army have been left to fend for themselves, Agniveers have been provided reservation in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) after four years of service.
In addition, they are offered a significant monetary package and skills certificate that helps them make a seamless transition from the military to civilian life.

For example, the Agniveer Skills Certificate highlights the level of skills and qualifications acquired during the period of service, including leadership, technical proficiency and a wide range of skills including specialized trade, which are highly valued in the civilian job market.

On completion of their service, they will get a service fund package amounting to around 12 lakhs, which will provide financial assistance on their return to civilian life.

Agniveers, joining after completing class 10 will receive a certificate equivalent to class 12 on completion of four years of service. This educational advancement significantly increases their opportunities, opening the door to further educational and career prospects.

The scheme also provides avenues of financial credit for self-employment or entrepreneurship through bank guarantees, encouraging Agniveers to pursue their entrepreneurial aspirations.

Additionally, Agniveers will benefit from a 10% reservation in CAPF recruitment without the need for mandatory physical tests, further easing their transition into civil defence roles.

"Moreover, the current government is dedicated to improving policies, and the Agniveer scheme is no exception. With experience and time, our goal is to continuously refine the programme," said Lt Gen Vinod Khandare.

"For example, if there is a recognised need to extend his tenure, we can certainly explore that option. As a nation, we should focus on improving the plan rather than considering shutting it down. "

Khandare emphasised that if an Agniveer and a soldier recruited through regular means is killed in action in similar circumstances, the India government is committed to providing equal assistance to their families.

In short, the Indian Armed Forces have embarked on a visionary programme to ensure that Agniveers transition seamlessly from military service to civilian life. The scheme empowers the youth by equipping them with a variety of skills and leadership abilities that are highly valued in the civic job market.

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