AGNIPATH
SCHEME : ECONOMY
NEWS:
PM defends Agnipath scheme on anniversary of Kargil War
WHAT’S
IN THE NEWS?
Agnipath
Scheme
Key
Points
- Recruitment:
- Annual
recruitment: 45,000 to 50,000 soldiers.
- Service
duration: 4 years for most recruits.
- Permanent
commission: 25% of recruits continue for an additional 15 years.
- Objectives:
- Make
permanent force levels leaner.
- Reduce
the defence pension bill.
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicable
for personnel below officer ranks.
- Age
limit: 17.5 to 23 years.
- Recruitment
frequency: Twice a year through rallies.
- Post-Selection Process:
- Training
period: 6 months.
- Deployment
period: 3.5 years.
- Starting
salary: Rs 30,000, increasing to Rs 40,000 by the end of 4 years.
- Seva
Nidhi program: 30% salary set aside with equal government contribution
and interest accrual.
- Lump
sum amount after 4 years: Rs 11.71 lakh (tax-free).
- Life
insurance cover: Rs 48 lakh.
- Death
payout: Over Rs 1 crore, including pay for unserved tenure.
- 25%
reselected for another 15 years; initial 4 years not counted for
retirement benefits.
- Recruitment Start:
- Begins
within 90 days of the scheme launch.
- "All
India, all class" recruitment approach, eliminating region and
caste-based regiment system in the Army.
- Benefits:
- Reduction
in average age of forces from 32 to 26 years in 6-7 years.
- Creation
of "future-ready" soldiers.
- Enhanced
training for new technologies.
- Increased
employment opportunities and higher-skilled workforce.
- Government
support for rehabilitation, skill certificates, and bridge courses for
exiting soldiers.
Source: https://epaper.thehindu.com/ccidist-ws/th/th_delhi/issues/92544/OPS/GMQD43JRR.1+G9HD45ROT.1.html