AGNIPATH SCHEME (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Govt Policies)

Context: Goa Chief Minister has hailed the Centre’s Agnipath scheme, stating that it was a way forward for the Indian armed forces and would create dedicated youth for the country.

Agnipath Scheme

• About: A central government scheme for youth to give entry into the Indian army. 
• Period: To serve in the Armed Forces for a period of four years.
• Agniveer: Under this scheme, the youth joining the army called them Agniveer.
• Age group: Candidates between the age group of 17.5 to 21 years are eligible to apply for the scheme.
• Financial package offered to an Agniveer:

oComposite Annual Package

• 1st year package approx. Rs. 4.76 Lacs.
• Upgradation up to approx. Rs. 6.92 Lacs in 4th year.

oAllowances

• Risk & Hardship, Ration, Dress, Travel allowances as applicable.

oSeva Nidhi: 

• 30% of monthly emoluments to be contributed by individuals.
• Equal amount matched & contributed by the Government.
• Corpus of Rs. 10.04 Lakhs plus accrued interest, exempted from Income Tax, after four years.

oDeath Compensation:

• Non-contributory life insurance cover of Rs. 48 Lakhs.
• Additional Ex Gratia of Rs. 44 Lakhs for death attributable to service.
• Pay for unserved portion up to four years including ’Seva Nidhi’ component.

oDisability Compensation:

• Compensation based on % disability laid down by medical authorities.
• One-time ex-gratia of Rs. 44/25/15 Lakhs for 100%/75%/50% disability respectively.
• Maximum limit: Every year 45,000 to 50,000 soldiers will be recruited annually, and most will leave the service in just four years. Out of that only 25% will continue for 15 years.