BBC in its report published on June 20 highlighted the misgivings of Indian youth and retired armed forces professionals regarding newly launched Agnipath scheme

Claim:

Protesters say the government's plan to hire temporary soldiers will reduce their chances of getting coveted permanent military jobs, which guarantee fixed salaries and pensions.

Counterclaim:

Agnipath scheme has been launched after years of discussions and debates among serving and retired armed forces officials; it aims to transport India into a country of modern, agile and youthful armed forces. In fact, it has been launched in keeping with evolving security scenarios where there will be contactless wars against invisible enemies and for this, the country needs a young, dynamic and agile army.


After serving four years as Agniveers in Indian armed forces, while 25% of them will be retained in army, air force and navy, the rest will be given opportunities to either serve in private industrial houses, public sector undertakings (PSUs) or join the paramilitary forces. The Ministry of Home Affairs has announced a 10% reservation for Agniveers in central police forces and Assam Rifles with upper age relaxation. The Ministry of Defence has also announced a 10% reservation for Agniveers in the Indian Coast Guard, 16 defence PSUs, including Hindustan Aeronautics, Bharat Electronics, four shipyards and 41 ordnance factories. PSUs under Housing and Petroleum Ministries have also announced hiring Agniveers after their four-year service in the armed forces.


It is true that Agniveers will not get pensions, but they will get a handsome monthly package that is specially tailored for them. Besides, they will receive Risk and Hardship allowances as necessary for three services. At the end of their four-year engagement, they will receive a one-time “Seva Nidhi” package which will include both their contribution and any collected interests thereon as well as a matching contribution. This package can be used by youth for setting up his own business, startups or anything else. What is more interesting is that Agniveers during their four-year engagement with Indian armed forces, will have the chance to receive training from India’s top universities to improve their abilities, skills and credentials.

Claim:

Critics of the plan say that it will weaken the armed forces and also increase unemployment rates in the country.

Counterclaim:

On the contrary, Agnipath scheme will strengthen armed forces in terms of youth who are quick at learning and understanding even a complex technology in comparison to old people who either take time in understanding the intricacies of modern technology or remain completely failure in adapting to new technologies and their operations. Hence, recruitment of youth of age between 17.5 and 23 will enable India to overcome any challenges of understanding futuristic war technologies.


As regarding, the fear that the scheme will add to unemployment rates in the country is simply groundless. Rather, the scheme will open a flood of employment opportunities for youth after four years of their engagement in armed forces. At the end of four years, Agniveers will be more skilled, knowledgeable and disciplined, facilitating them get second employment.