The Narendra Modi Government has floated a new scheme named Agnipath for recruitment of youths in all the three wings of Defence. It is a Government of India scheme, which is supposed to provide enormous opportunities to youths selected under this. But the scheme has encountered violent protests.
The basic idea of Agnipath is to include patriotic and motivated youths in the armed forces for a period of four years. These youths will be known as Agniveers. In many countries, youths serve their military for a few years to develop a sense of patriotic commitment. Agnipath is a scheme which means a specific time period will be spent by soldiers in a battle or harsh environment. The scheme says that annually as many as 45,000 to 50,000 soldiers will be recruited and after four years, only 25% of the batch will be recruited back, for a period of 15 years into their respective services. The retention of 25 % will be done on the basis of rigorous scrutiny and meticulous observation. The scheme will make our Indian Army younger by reducing the average age of soldiers from 32 years at present to 26 years in next six to seven years. The short tenure will reduce the other expenditure of military which can be utilised in modernisation of war equipment.
The sudden change in the recruitment process has not gone down well with the aspirants. It has reflected in the form of disagreement and protests. Massive protests, scholars’ brooding remarks and Opposition trying to fish in the troubled waters have compelled the Government to recalibrate the policy with some changes. For example, the age limit was increased to 23 years from 21 years and Home and Defence ministries have announced 10% reservation in Central Armed Police Force and defence PSUs. Many BJP ruling States also have given assurance to provide full time job security to retired Agniveers.
Data by the Labour Ministry in May 2019 revealed that, unemployment rate in India was 6.1 per cent in 2017-18 (Highest in 45 years). 7.8% urban youths with all the employable capabilities were deprived of job while in rural India unemployment was 5.1%. Another data by Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation released in 2022 says that unemployment rate in India is declining and the Government is recovering its economy with a sustainable approach after the Covid 19 pandemic.
Currently, the hiring prospects in India are in a healthy position. A survey by Manpower Group Employment Outlook has revealed that the hiring activities in India are in strongest span i.e of positive 49%. But the magnitude of unemployment in India is so conspicuous that these claims and records appear to be very frivolous. The notion of Government job which is known for its permanency in tenure, social security, insurance and social status will fade away with the Agnipath scheme.
The Government of India is acting in haste by providing a panacea to adopt the Agnipath scheme in short term but in a larger canvas the crisis of unemployment will continue to haunt us. No doubt the idea behind Agnipath is noble. But if it is rolled out with transparency and wide consultations, then it would become one of the visionary schemes. The agitation against farm laws was a lesson for BJP- led NDA Government. So, it is an apprehension that Agnipath may get the same verdict if it is not handled properly. The Government must accept the blame for the Agnipath unrest. In order to manage the situation, Armed forces officials have cleared the doubts. The PM of India also said that some reforms may look unfair in the first instance but they will help in nation building later. Both Army and Air Force have also issued the recruitment notification. The exercises have been done only after violent unrest of the youths. In this writer’s view, a major lapse is found in introducing the scheme to the stakeholders.
Now there are two schools of thought for the Agnipath scheme. One school of thought appreciates the Government’s path breaking move. Another school of thought in the process of criticising the scheme suggests for a Pilot Project for Agnipath and training duration, level of motivation and rehabilitation for Agniveers. Many have expressed apprehension over the quality of human resources and utilising the human resource post retirement. Motivation to join, dedication to work, gaining knowledge in short span and acquired skill sets may be the counts while considering those Agniveers as social capital.
The Government wants to create a public military synthesis - future ready soldiers out of the Agnipath. A basic argument thrown is if the skills of four years trained Agniveers are not used diligently what will happen? So in order to avoid the militarisation of youths, the Government has to roll out more employment opportunities with protected social insurance schemes for the Agniveers.
The foundation of short tenure service as well as reduced average age for soldiers was suggested by Kargil Review Committee in 1999. Now, the current Government is trying to apply the same by way of the Agnipath scheme. However, we need to accept the change if it is for our national interest.
(Dr Parida is an Assistant Professor in Sociology, email id- abash.parida@gmail.com)