Agnipath Scheme-Tour Of Duty Explained

Agnipath scheme is a new recruitment scheme enabled by the Government to attract youth to be a part of the Indian Armed Forces Youth would be in a contract of 4yrs

The youth who join the forces through this scheme would be known as 'Agniveers'. The Age criteria are 17.5-21 yrs & both men and women can apply for this scheme. After the completion 4th year 25% would be retained and the rest 75% would be demobilised with an exit or Seva Nidhi Package which is exempted from Tax.

The Agniveers would be given certification for the skills they gained during the tenure This would help them form a unique resume

Agnipath Scheme

Currently, the youth are recruited for a term of 10yrs which can be extended up to 14yrs.

Now, the Agniveers would be on 6 month training and 3.5yrs service from the 4 year contract

Permanent Armed forces applicants

1. Army: Indian Army would now have three types of recruitment systems in the Indian armed forces including permanent commission, and short service commission. For permanent commission in Army, applicants can sit for the NDA exam after class 11, while the IMA has 4 entry categories. For short service commission, training takes place at the Officers' Training Academy in Chennai. For Agnipath, candidates can apply after completing Class 10 or 12. Permanent commission means a career in the armed forces till retirement. Under short service commission, the Army allows 10-year service with an option of a 4-year extension. Under the Agnipath scheme, Agniveer recruits will serve for 4 years.

2. Airforce: To join the air force's permanent commission, candidates have various options like the NDA, AFCAT, CDSE, NCC special entry, or Met entry. For air force's short service commission in ground duty, 10 years with an option of 4-year extension are available. Meanwhile, for induction under Agnipath, the medical and fitness norms are as per existing rules.

3. Indian Navy: For permanent commission, the Indian Navy can be joined as either an officer, or a sailor. For the navy's short service commission, a 10-year tenure is available. Meanwhile, Agnipath offers a severance package and non-contributory insurance.

Benefits of Agnipath Scheme:

1. Experience and financial backing:- The Agniveers would be given Seva Nidhi package and would be awarded with certification for the skills they gained during their tenure

2. Adequate re-employment opportunities for those returning to society and who could emerge as role models for the youth

Why is there chaos?

The change in recruitment is huge, the soldiers would be professionally serving only 4yrs in the armed forces. It is also widely feared that thousands of soldiers who are not retained year will be an having an uncertain future.

The news said people are unhappy because the 4-year tenure is too less to join the Armed forces.

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