What is Agnipath Scheme UPSC? – Scheme Objectives, Features, Provisions, Benefits, Controversy, Criticism, 10 Interesting Facts

Before of now, this Agnipath Yojana also take place in various types of controversies. This kind of Government Scheme or in other words, Updation in Armed forced are tends to be asked in Major competitive examinations in India.

If you are preparing for Competitive examinations in India such as UPSC, SSC, SSB and many others, then this topic may help you to crack the related Competitive Examination. In this blog, we have added all the Comprehensive Details about Agnipath Scheme.

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He emphasized the importance of local support, zero tolerance for human rights violations, and discussed measures to improve intelligence and counterterrorism operations.

Gen. Pande also provided insights into the Agnipath Scheme, addressing concerns raised by his predecessor.

He refrained from commenting on his predecessor’s remarks about the armed forces being taken by surprise.

Gen. Pande highlighted positive feedback on Agniveers and discussed ongoing challenges, emphasizing the need to move forward with the scheme.

Sources suggest that positive feedback has been received, and potential tweaks to the Agnipath Scheme, including increased retention rates and fine-tuning training structures, are under consideration.

This news sheds light on the evolving nature of the Agnipath Scheme and its impact on India’s military recruitment landscape.

In this plan, the youngsters who decide to join will be known as Agniveers, a special name for these new soldiers. The main idea is to recruit around 45,000 to 50,000 of them each year.

Here’s the interesting part: after serving for these four years, they can choose to continue in the armed forces, but only a certain number, not more than 25%, will get this chance. Others can explore different paths after their service.

However, they won’t get a regular pension like the old system. Instead, they will receive a lump sum amount, which is like a one-time payment, around ₹11.71 lakhs.

The government hopes that this Agnipath Scheme will help make the armed forces more ‘future-ready’ by bringing in young and energetic individuals.

It’s like a way to solve a problem because, before this, there was a shortage of people in the armed forces, and many were retiring without enough new recruits joining.

But, not everyone is completely happy with this plan. Some people are worried that after these four years, it might be challenging for these Agniveers to find new jobs.

Also, there were concerns raised about not having the usual pension benefits. So, while it’s a new and different approach to bring in fresh faces to protect the country, it’s still causing some discussions and debates.

1. Tour of Duty Style: The Agnipath Scheme adopts a “Tour of Duty” style, allowing individuals to serve in the armed forces for a fixed period of four years.
2. New Military Rank – Agniveers: Personnel recruited under this scheme will be designated as Agniveers, creating a distinct identity for those serving under the Agnipath framework.
3. Annual Recruitment Target: The scheme aims to recruit approximately 45,000 to 50,000 soldiers annually, bringing in a substantial number of new individuals into the armed forces.
4. Limited Tenure: Unlike traditional recruitment, individuals enlisted under the Agnipath Scheme will serve for a short duration of four years, contributing to a more dynamic and flexible military structure.
5. Retention and Permanent Cadre: After the initial four-year period, only 25% of the batch will be selected for the permanent cadre, allowing some individuals the opportunity to continue serving in the armed forces.
6. Age Eligibility: The scheme is open to individuals in the age group of 17.5 to 21 years, encouraging young and motivated individuals to contribute to national defense.
7. Extension of Age Limit: In response to concerns and protests, the upper age limit was temporarily raised from 21 to 23 for recruitment in the year 2022.
8. Twice-Yearly Recruitment: The recruitment process under the Agnipath Scheme occurs twice a year for the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force, ensuring a regular influx of new personnel.
9. Training and Deployment: Agniveers undergo six months of training followed by 3.5 years of deployment, contributing to their skill development and operational readiness.
10. Financial Benefits: Upon completion of the four-year service, Agniveers receive a one-time ‘Seva Nidhi’ package of approximately ₹11.71 lakhs, inclusive of accrued interest. Additionally, they are provided with a Rs 48 lakh life insurance cover during the four years of service.

1. Youthful Vigor: The scheme injects youthful energy into the armed forces by attracting motivated and patriotic individuals, contributing to a dynamic and agile military structure.
2. Reduced Average Age Profile: With the potential to bring down the average age profile of the armed forces by about 4 to 5 years, the scheme aims to create a more vibrant and modernized defense force.
3. Flexible Short-Term Service: Individuals enlisted under the Agnipath Scheme serve for a limited duration of four years, offering flexibility in career choices after completion of their service.
4. Financial Incentives: Upon completing the four-year term, Agniveers receive a one-time ‘Seva Nidhi’ package of approximately ₹11.71 lakhs, providing financial support as a recognition of their service.
5. Life Insurance Cover: During the four years of service, Agniveers are entitled to a Rs 48 lakh life insurance cover, ensuring financial protection for themselves and their families in case of unforeseen events.
6. Rehabilitation Support: The government plans to assist soldiers leaving the services after four years with rehabilitation efforts, including skill certificates and bridge courses, easing their transition to civilian life.
7. Addressing Personnel Shortages: The Agnipath Scheme aims to address the shortage of personnel in the armed forces, ensuring a steady influx of new recruits to maintain operational capabilities.
8. Incremental Employment Opportunities: The scheme increases annual employment opportunities by recruiting 45,000 to 50,000 personnel each year, contributing to overall economic growth.
9. Potential for Continuing Service: After completing the four-year term, Agniveers have the opportunity to apply for a permanent cadre, allowing a portion of the batch to continue serving in the armed forces.
10. Innovation in Recruitment: The Agnipath Scheme represents an innovative approach to military recruitment, signaling a departure from traditional long-term commitments and offering a model for other countries to consider.

The scheme targets an annual recruitment of 45,000 to 50,000 personnel, contributing to a more dynamic and agile armed forces structure.

Upon completion of their service, Agniveers receive a one-time ‘Seva Nidhi’ package, acknowledging their contribution. The scheme not only addresses personnel shortages but also aims to bring down the average age profile of the armed forces by approximately 4 to 5 years.

This innovative approach provides financial incentives, life insurance coverage, and potential pathways for continued service, offering a modernized perspective on military recruitment in India.

1. Protests Eruption: Violent protests erupted across India on June 14, 2022, immediately after the announcement of the Agnipath Scheme.
2. Geographical Impact: States like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Haryana witnessed violent demonstrations, damaging public property and disrupting transportation.
3. Magnitude of Violence: Protesters blocked national highways, damaged trains and buses, leading to over 200 affected trains and extensive property damage.
4. Fatalities Reported: Tragically, the protests resulted in casualties, including a 19-year-old protester shot dead in Telangana.
5. Internet Shutdowns: In response to escalating violence, the Bihar government ordered internet shutdowns in 18 districts.
6. Political Targeting: Protesters attacked the house of Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister, prompting security measures and arrests.
7. Nationwide Impact: The agitation spread across India, with significant incidents reported in Karnataka, Telangana, and Delhi.
8. Student Involvement: Student organizations like Students’ Federation of India organized rallies and protests against the alleged anti-youth scheme.
9. Property Damage: Estimates suggested upwards of Rs 700 crore in property damage, with trains, coaches, and engines set ablaze.
10. Political Resolutions: Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Ashok Gehlot, passed a resolution calling for the withdrawal of the scheme.
11. Congress Leader’s Stance: Congress leader Kanhaiya Kumar labeled the scheme a “scam” but urged peaceful protests.
12. Bharat Bandh: A nationwide strike named Bharat Bandh was called on June 20, resulting in over 600 canceled trains and heavy traffic disruptions.
13. Security Measures: BJP leaders received heightened security, with two MPs and eight legislators given ‘Y’ Category security.
14. Official Responses: Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged the discontent, emphasizing the long-term benefits of the scheme.
15. Defensive Statements: Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and Chiefs of Army, Navy, and Air Staff defended the scheme, attributing protests to misinformation.
16. Police Verification: Air Staff Chief Vivek Ram Chaudhari highlighted the importance of police verification in the recruitment process.
17. National Security Advisor’s Stand: Ajit Doval asserted that the scheme would not be rolled back, emphasizing its progressive nature.
18. Alternative Job Offers: BJP MLA Kailash Vijayvargiya suggested Agniveers could work as security guards at BJP offices, drawing criticism.
19. Ministerial Explanations: Tourism Minister G Kishan Reddy clarified that Agniveers would receive training for various professional skills.
20. Post-Retirement Opportunities: Sports Minister Anurag Thakur mentioned considering Agniveers for roles like physical education teachers after retirement.

The absence of comprehensive white papers, parliamentary debates, or discussions in the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence before the scheme’s introduction raised eyebrows, amplifying concerns about transparency and public awareness.

One major critique revolves around the scheme’s impact on aspirants wishing to join the Armed Forces.

Disappointment lingers among individuals, primarily due to the abbreviated service duration, lack of pension provisions for those released prematurely, and the stringent age restriction of 17.5 to 21 years.

This restriction has resulted in the ineligibility of many aspiring candidates, thereby diminishing the pool of potential recruits for the Indian armed forces. The absence of a robust pre-launch information dissemination strategy has been a central point of contention.

The scheme’s introduction without prior public knowledge or parliamentary scrutiny has fueled skepticism and questions about the government’s commitment to transparency and inclusive decision-making.

As the discourse on the Agnipath Scheme unfolds, addressing these criticisms becomes imperative to ensure that the initiative aligns with the broader aspirations of both the armed forces and the aspiring youth it intends to engage.

Almost immediately after the scheme’s revelation, violent protests erupted, with army aspirants vehemently calling for its rollback. The unrest escalated to such an extent that protestors damaged public property, including buses and trains.

The epicenter of the initial protests was reported in Bihar, where demonstrators blocked national highways and railway tracks on June 15. Subsequent days witnessed intensified violence in various states, including Chhapra, Jehanabad, Munger, and Nawada in Bihar, with agitated army aspirants resorting to burning trains and buses.

The protests quickly spread to Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, and other regions, affecting over 200 trains and leading to cancellations and disruptions. The protests, marked by incidents of arson, attacks on public infrastructure, and clashes with law enforcement, underscored the depth of opposition to the Agnipath Scheme.

The magnitude of the dissent prompted a Bharat Bandh, an all-India strike, on June 20, as protesting organizations demanded a rollback of the controversial scheme. The ensuing chaos, disruptions, and government responses highlighted the significant challenges and resistance the Agnipath Scheme encountered from various quarters of society.

The short-term nature of the contract, with only 25% of recruits being retained, poses challenges in transitioning to civilian life, potentially leaving them behind their peers in the job market. Another pressing concern revolves around the absence of pension benefits for those enlisted under the Agnipath Scheme.

While a one-time lump sum is provided at the end of the four-year tenure, the lack of pension support raises financial uncertainties for these individuals, necessitating the pursuit of second jobs to sustain themselves and their families.

Furthermore, the scheme’s emphasis on technical training for soldiers who will depart after four years raises worries about the potential underutilization of acquired skills.

The departure of experienced personnel could create operational voids within the armed forces. These concerns shed light on the nuanced challenges and considerations surrounding the implementation of the Agnipath Scheme.

The scheme not only provides a unique opportunity for patriotic individuals aged 17.5 to 23 but also addresses the challenge of an aging armed forces demographic. This shift is poised to create “future-ready” soldiers, reduce the average age profile, and potentially enhance operational efficiency.

Additionally, the scheme offers financial benefits, life insurance, and post-service support, contributing to the holistic development and welfare of Agniveers.

Agnipath Scheme in Hindi – Agnipath Yojana in Hindi

अग्निपथ योजना, भारत सरकार के द्वारा जून 2022 में शुरू की गई। अग्निपथ योजना युवाओं को छोटी अवधि, विशेष रूप से चार साल के लिए सशस्त्र बलों में शामिल होने के लिए आमंत्रित करने का एक नया तरीका है।

इस योजना में शामिल होने का निर्णय लेने वाले युवाओं को अग्निवीरों के नाम से जाना जाएगा, जो इन नए सैनिकों का एक विशेष नाम है। मुख्य विचार प्रत्येक वर्ष उनमें से लगभग 45,000 से 50,000 की भर्ती करना है।

यहां दिलचस्प बात यह है: इन चार वर्षों तक सेवा करने के बाद, वे सशस्त्र बलों में बने रहने का विकल्प चुन सकते हैं, लेकिन केवल एक निश्चित संख्या, 25% को ही यह मौका मिलेगा। अन्य लोग उनकी सेवा के बाद अलग-अलग रास्ते तलाश सकते हैं।

हालांकि, उन्हें पुरानी व्यवस्था की तरह नियमित पेंशन नहीं मिलेगी. इसके बजाय, उन्हें एकमुश्त राशि मिलेगी, जो कि लगभग ₹11.71 लाख होगी।

सरकार को उम्मीद है कि यह अग्निपथ योजना युवा और ऊर्जावान व्यक्तियों को लाकर सशस्त्र बलों को अधिक ‘भविष्य के लिए तैयार’ बनाने में मदद करेगी।

यह एक समस्या को हल करने का एक तरीका है क्योंकि, इससे पहले, सशस्त्र बलों में लोगों की कमी थी, और कई लोग पर्याप्त नई भर्तियों के बिना ही सेवानिवृत्त हो रहे थे।

लेकिन, हर कोई इस योजना से पूरी तरह खुश नहीं है. कुछ लोगों को चिंता है कि इन चार वर्षों के बाद इन अग्निवीरों के लिए नई नौकरियां ढूंढना चुनौतीपूर्ण हो सकता है। साथ ही, सामान्य पेंशन लाभ नहीं मिलने को लेकर भी चिंताएं व्यक्त की गईं।

इसलिए, हालांकि यह देश की रक्षा के लिए नए चेहरों को लाने का एक नया और अलग दृष्टिकोण है, फिर भी यह कुछ चर्चाओं और बहस का कारण बन रहा है।

1. Tour of Duty Concept: Agnipath Scheme introduces a unique “Tour of Duty” style, enlisting soldiers for a four-year period, deviating from the traditional long-term recruitment approach.
2. Agniveers Title: Recruits under the scheme are called “Agniveers,” symbolizing Fire-Warriors, creating a distinct identity for those joining through Agnipath.
3. Immediate Implementation: Approved on June 14, 2022, the scheme was swiftly implemented in September 2022, signifying a prompt response to address the armed forces’ personnel shortage.
4. Age Eligibility: Initially designed for aspirants aged 17.5 to 21, the upper age limit was temporarily extended to 23 in response to protests, but only for the recruitment year 2022.
5. Training and Deployment: Agniveers undergo six months of training followed by 3.5 years of active deployment, contributing to a well-rounded military experience within the four-year tenure.
6. Retirement Options: After completing the four-year term, Agniveers can apply to continue in the armed forces, with a maximum of 25% of the retiring batch selected for permanent cadre positions.
7. Lump Sum Payment: Those retiring after four years receive a one-time lump sum of approximately ₹11.71 lakh, eliminating the traditional pension benefits, a distinctive feature of the Agnipath Scheme.
8. Recruitment Numbers: The Indian government plans to recruit 45,000 to 50,000 new personnel annually through the scheme, addressing the critical personnel shortage in the armed forces.
9. Criticism and Opposition: The scheme faced significant opposition from political parties, activists, and retired defense personnel, raising concerns about the impact on national security and the quality of armed forces.
10. Comprehensive Insurance Cover: Agniveers enrolled in the Agnipath Scheme receive a substantial life insurance cover of Rs 48 lakhs for the four-year service period. In the unfortunate event of death, the payout exceeds Rs 1 crore, encompassing the pay for the remaining unserved tenure.

FAQ’s on Agnipath Scheme – Questions related to Agnipath Scheme