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New Armed Forces Recruitment Model ‘Agnipath’ Unveiled, Youth To Serve For 4 Years

Mumbai: The three service chiefs on Tuesday revealed the details of a new recruitment model for the Armed Forces called ‘Agnipath’ with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

Unlike constables who joined the Indian Army under the old model, soldiers recruited under the new model (also known as a tour of duty in the past) would be inducted into the armed forces as ‘Agniveers’, a new distinct rank, as opposed to sepoys who joined the Indian Army under the legacy recruitment model, according to an HT reported on Tuesday.

‘Agniveers’ will form a distinct rank in the three services, and will also wear a distinct insignia as part of their uniform.

The announcement sets the stage for the Army to restart its recruitment process after a two-year pause due to the COVID-19 restrictions.

Officials said the ‘Agneepath’ model envisages the recruitment of personnel below the rank of officer (PBOR) for four years, including six months’ training in the Army, Air Force and Navy.

The proposed model has been at the centre of an intense debate in military circles, with many veterans questioning the concept and arguing that the disadvantages may outweigh the advantages.

Soldiers recruited under ‘Agnipath’ will be released from service after four years, though the new system will have a provision to retain about 25% of them after another round of screening.

They are likely to be given a severance package of more than ₹11 lakh, though they will not be entitled to a pension. However, those retained will serve in the Defense Services for the next 15 years and will be entitled to the pension.

The recruits under ‘Agnipath’ will draw a salary of ₹30,000-40,000 per month, officials said, adding that they will also get a non-contributory insurance cover of ₹48 lakh. They will also get an ‘Agniveer skill certificate’ that will help them find jobs after release from service, the officials said.

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