With an aim of making Indian armed forces more youthful, diverse and technologically savvy the Ministry of Defence announced its new recruitment scheme the 'Agneepath' which is a transformational reform. The Indian Army is reaching out across India to replicate the benefits of the scheme not only for the Armed Forces and Ex-Servicemen but also for the youth of the Country as well as civil society.
Addressing a press meet at Division Headquarter General Officer Commanding of Cockerel Division, Major General Rajesh Kumar said that the nature of warfare is changing for which the Indian Armed Forces need to adapt themselves. “Given the huge youth population of our country, there is a need for a process of skilled recruitment to meet the challenges of the future battlefield. The Agneepath scheme will increase the technical frontier of soldiers by recruiting them from ITIs and other technical establishments,” he added.
“It will reduce the average age profile of the Indian Armed Forces from 32 years to 24-26 years by 2030. More importantly, it would make the representation of those in uniform more distinct from others. Though recruitment so far was based on the state's recruitable male population, only 168 of the country's 755 districts accounted for more than 75 per cent recruitments in the armed services. Now all 7226 blocks will get the opportunity of representation in the army,” said Kumar.
Speaking on the occasion Colonel Ram Murthy said that a strong sense of patriotism is seen in the youth of India to serve the nation. “The 'Agneepath' scheme will provide them an opportunity to serve for both short and long term. They will receive respectable pay and allowances while in service, while those leaving after 4 years will be financially, technically and institutionally empowered to pursue their second career,” he added.
“In addition, a growing India that aims to become a $5 trillion economy in the near future will require a skilled, disciplined and motivated workforce. India's population will be around 140 million by 2030, of which 50 percent will be below 25 years of age. The 'Agneepath' scheme will be able to make the most of this huge demographic dividend. 75 per cent of the Agniveers who leave after 4 years will be empowered both financially and technically to join their non-military careers,” said Murty.
Colonel Manjit said that in the last two years, this scheme has been carefully considered. Not only were the models of several foreign armed forces studied, but detailed discussions were also held with all the stakeholders in the Country, he added.
“Like any other transformational reform, there are associated challenges and hence the plan is being implemented gradually in a phased manner and the Indian Army is fully prepared to adopt the plan with the aim of achieving transformation, whose sole intention is to maximize its combat capability through a whole-of-government approach,” said Colonel Manjit.
