Agnipath scheme: The central government is preparing to make a big change in the much-discussed Agneepath scheme. In this, the long-standing demand to increase the permanent recruitment of Agniveers in the army can also be considered. According to sources in the Ministry of Defense. the Center has planned to make changes in the Agneepath recruitment scheme.
In this change, the share of keeping Agniveers permanently in the army can be increased. Along with this, changes can also be made in the salary and eligibility conditions. The purpose of these changes is to improve the entire structure and benefits of the Agneepath scheme. Which is being criticized by the opposition. A large section of people wishing to join the army is also against this scheme.
According to a report, senior officials of the Defense Ministry said that discussions are going on to increase the percentage of permanent inclusion of Agniveers in the army. So that more of them can remain in the full-time service of the army beyond their initial four-year tenure. At present, only 25 percent of Agniveers are retained in the army after their initial service period. Military experts have been considering this number as insufficient.The number of Agniveers will increase in the army
A top source in the Defense Department said that permanently appointing a quarter of the Agniveers is too less to maintain the required combat strength on the ground. The source further said that the army has recommended that at the end of four years. the number of Agniveers to be deployed should be around 50 percent.
The army has already submitted recommendations about these possible changes to the government after internal feedback and surveys conducted within various units. Senior officials of the Defense Department said that this change may take time, but necessary amendments will be made to take the Agneepath scheme forward.
What is Agneepath Yojana?
This scheme was implemented by the Central Government in 2022 in an attempt to reduce the number of the army and reduce the pension bill of the Defense Department. According to this scheme. Agniveers are recruited in the Army, Navy and Air Force on a 4-year contract. Out of the total annual recruitments, only 25 per cent are allowed to continue further service under permanent commission.
However, the Agneepath scheme faced protests across the country. In which army candidates said that the future of those leaving the service after 4 years will be uncertain. The opposition led by Congress has demanded the withdrawal of this scheme.
While NDA allies have demanded its review. Apart from this, internal reports of BJP show that the party has suffered a setback in the recent Lok Sabha elections in those seats where the number of defense employees is the highest.