Last year, after extensive deliberations, the central government paved way for a radical change in the recruitment of soldiers, sailors and airmen in the country’s armed forces. For this, the government started a scheme called Agnipath, the purpose of which is to increase the number of youth in the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and the Indian Air Force and create a technologically advanced and sound armed forces, which can perform better in all types of combat.

Under this scheme, there are 3 modules- recruitment, training, and re-enrolment. A youngster between the age of 17 ½ to 21 years will get a chance to serve for four years in the Indian defence forces, which includes a training period of six months. The soldiers who get recruited will be called ‘Agniveer’. Of these, around 25 percent – the best of the best – will get a chance to get reappointed to the permanent cadre after completing the said four-year period.

Those Agniveers that may not continue, will get a degree and a financial package of approximately Rs 12 lakh after completing four years of service. Those aspiring to start their own enterprise or business will be given an option to avail bank loans. Those who want to study further will be given certificates and bridging courses will also be arranged for them. They will get preference in Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), Assam Rifles, BSF, State Police and other such forces. They will also be facilitated post-service employment and will be given priority in government jobs. The Union Ministry of Education has also announced its plans to introduce a three-year special technical educational course at the undergraduate level for Agniveers. Many private companies have also announced that they will give priority in employment to Agniveers. It is thus certain that after Agnipath service, the youth will have a chance to get financially empowered, with strong career prospects, apart from the opportunity for permanent service in the military itself.

The biggest change this scheme will bring is that the average age of those serving in the armed forces will come down from 32 to 26 in the next few years. Due to the recruitment of dedicated, ambitious and tech-savvy youth, our defence forces will be more prepared for war in future. Along with this, the rising burden of salary and pension expenditure will also be reduced, and the saved money can be used for the modernization and capability enhancement of our armed forces.

Another positive thing that the scheme will bring is that Agniveers will create an additional pool of well trained and disciplined citizens, who will strengthen the social and professional fabric across the country. They will serve as a role model and will bring qualitative change in the social and professional fabric wherever they go. They can also be quickly called upon to join the forces in case of emergency.

Agnipath scheme will also enhance a feeling of nationalism in the youth of the country who will continue to take pride in its achievements and advancements while protecting the nation from enemies across the border.

Indeed, Agnipath is a path-breaking initiative. It is no surprise then that a tremendous enthusiasm has been seen among the youth regarding the Agnipath recruitment in all the three wings of the army. Several lakh youths have already registered themselves for recruitment, and even the young women were not lagging behind. In the coming years, these Agniveers, with the qualities of leadership, team spirit, discipline and technical knowledge, will act as a catalyst for nation building.

Agnipath has to be viewed as a part of a “major security makeover of the country”. The recruitment as it stands currently started right after India’s independence and given the changing circumstances of the country, it is imperative that a new methodology can be devised and implemented to recruit for the Indian defence forces that can cater to the emerging threats and needs.

It needs to be understood as a scheme that will not only train soldiers of the country but the youth of the country who can, after serving in the defence forces, end up with multiple opportunities that can open up to them because the training that Agnipath scheme will offer will add value to the individual and their overall personality making them a better resource for the country.

It is a unique scheme that is a combination of an employment initiative, a social scheme, and a defence reform all at once. This scheme will cater to the growing population of this country helping the government to manage human resources. Agniveer will inspire young individuals to become agents of positive change. Through their efforts, Agniveer aims to create a generation of enlightened and responsible citizens who will contribute to the betterment of India and the world at large.