New Delhi: Announcing the Agneepath scheme on Tuesday, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said that it will increase employment opportunities. He claimed that the skills and experience acquired during Agniveer’s service will lead to employment in various fields.
Efforts are being made under the Agnipath scheme, that the profile of the Indian Armed Forces should be as youthful as the current profile of the population in the country.
Here is a detailed explanation of who will be eligible for recruitment under the Agnipath scheme and what facilities will be available to the eligible candidates. Read:
Eligibility
For recruitment under Agnipath scheme, the age of a candidate should be between 17 years 6 months-21 months. Selected youths will get an opportunity to serve in the Armed Services for a total of 4 years including a training period. Recruitment will be done as per Army rules.
Salary
For the Agniveers, the government has provided information about their annual package, wherein youth will be placed on a monthly payment of 30 thousand rupees in the first year. Personnels will get Rs 4.76 lakh in the first year with the facility of EPF/PPF.
By the fourth year, the salary will be 40 thousand rupees i.e. 6.92 lakh rupees per annum.
Allowances
Some allowances will also be provided with the annual package including risk and hardship, ration, dress and travel allowances. If disabled during service, full pay and interest for non-service period will also be provided.
Agniveer will not be entitled to gratuity and pensionary benefits, though their ‘Service Fund’ will be exempted from Income Tax.
The jawaans under the scheme will also be be provided a non-contributory life insurance cover of Rs 48 lakh for their term in the Indian Armed Forces.
Opportunity for permanent service
The army will also retain 25 percent Agniveers who will be skilled and capable. However, this will also be possible only if there are recruitments in the army at that time.
Agniveers can apply to retain their services permanently after the completion of 4 years of their tenure.