John Wilbert & Saurabh Singh
Port Blair, June 15: Along with the youths of the rest of the country, thousands of youths of Andaman & Nicobar Islands can now also join the Indian Armed Forces to serve the motherland.
The government of India on Tuesday unveiled a “transformative” scheme called “Agnipath” for the recruitment of soldiers into the Army, the Navy and the Air Force largely on a short-term contractual basis with an aim to enable a youthful profile of the armed forces, said Rear Admiral Dalbir S Gural, Chief of Naval Staff, A&N Command while briefing media persons at the ANC Headquarter today.
He informed that it is a recruitment scheme for Indian youths to serve in the Armed Forces. The scheme is AGNIPATH and the youth selected under this scheme will be known as ‘Agniveers’.
Agniveers will be enrolled for a duration of 4 years including a training period. The candidates will meet the medical eligibility conditions as applicable to their respective categories/trades. They will be given the option to opt for enrollment into the Regular Cadre. Upto 25% of Agniveers from each batch will be enrolled in the Regular Cadre of the Armed Forces.
He also said that the ‘Agnipath’ scheme approved by the CCS is a transformative reform that will enhance the combat potential of the Armed Forces, with a younger profile and technologically adept soldiers. The Infusion of disciplined, motivated, and skilled Agniveers back into society after military service, would be a great asset for the Nation.
Rear Admiral DS Gujral further informed that the Agnipath Scheme is for candidates of age 17.5 to 21 years. Based on merit and organizational requirement, 25% of Agniveers to be selected through a central, transparent, rigorous system after four years. He also informed that the cadre will get a good financial package throughout the service. Agniveer Skill Certificate-assist in post-release job opportunities.
He also informed about the customary financial package that will be provided during the service i.e., a 1st-year salary package of Rs. 4.76 lakhs (approx.) with upgradations of up to R. 6.92 lakhs (approx) in the 4th year.
Agnipath scheme has a terminal benefit as the Seva Nidhi Package i.e., Each Agniveer will contribute 30% of the monthly package to the individual ‘Agniveer Corpus Fund’. On completion of the engagement period, a one-time tax-free Seva Nidhi Package of approxRs. 11.71 lakhs will be paid. Seva Nidhi Package will comprise contribution by Agniveer, interest thereon and matching contribution from the government. Option for Bank Loan for Agniveers will also be provided during the service.
