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

Context: Promising a rollback of the Agnipath scheme, the Congress, as part of the Jai Jawan campaign, is planning to reach out to more than 35 lakh young men and women.

Agnipath scheme:

• About: In this scheme patriotic and motivated youth to serve in the Armed Forces for a period of four years.
• Agniveer: Under this scheme, the youth joining the army.
• Age group: Candidates between the age group of 17.5 to 21 years are eligible to apply for the scheme.
• 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.
• Objective:

oTo enhance youthful profile of the Armed Forces so that they are at their fighting best at all times with increased risk taking ability.

oTo attract young talent from the society to effectively exploit, adopt and use emerging modern technologies with enhanced technical thresholds of intake while leveraging Technical Institutions of the country.

oTo provide an opportunity to the youth who may be keen to serve the Nation in uniform albeit for a short period of time.

oTo imbibe The Armed Forces ethos, cotzraye, camaraderie, commitment and teamwork in the youth.

oTo provide abilities and qualities such as discipline, dynamism, motivation and work-skills so that the youth remains an asset.