Indian Army Proposes 7-8 Years Service Period and 60-70% Retention in Agnipath Scheme Review

In response to criticism, the Indian Army suggests increasing Agniveer retention and extending service periods to ensure better training and integration of recruits.

The Indian Army has proposed substantial modifications to the Agnipath scheme in response to widespread criticism and concerns from various quarters, including NDA allies. The Agnipath scheme, initially introduced to attract younger recruits and reduce pension costs, has faced scrutiny over potential shortcomings in training and the experience of new soldiers.

Sources within the defense sector have revealed that the Army has recommended several key changes:

1. Increased Retention Rate: The proportion of Agniveers transitioning to regular service is proposed to be increased from the current 25% to 60-70%. This change aims to enhance operational efficiency and ensure smoother integration of Agniveers into the regular forces.

2. Extended Service Period: The Army suggests extending the service period for Agniveers from four years to 7-8 years. This extension is intended to address concerns about the lack of experience among Agniveers, allowing them to gain more comprehensive training and operational skills.

3. Age Limit Adjustment: The proposal includes raising the entry age for technical roles to 23 years to attract more mature and potentially more qualified candidates.

4. Compensation and Support: Further proposals involve providing ex-gratia payments for disabilities sustained during training, managing exits through a professional agency, and ensuring subsistence allowances for families of Agniveers who lose their lives in combat.

The Agnipath scheme was initially welcomed as a means to streamline recruitment and reduce pension costs. However, concerns emerged about the impact on the experience and expertise of the armed forces. A source highlighted that under the previous recruitment system, personnel typically retired at 35 years, with those promoted to Subedar Major retiring at 52 years, bringing extensive experience and training to the table. The proposed changes aim to ensure that Agniveers gain sufficient experience and training to fill these critical roles effectively.

These recommendations are currently under review by the government and the defense ministry. The outcome of this review will determine the future trajectory of the Agnipath scheme and its impact on the Indian Army's recruitment and operational capabilities.

The changes aim to create a young and capable force without compromising operational efficiency while simultaneously reducing the pension burden. Halting recruitment under the current scheme could lead to a significant shortage of non-commissioned personnel, which would take over a decade to rectify. Therefore, these enhancements are seen as a necessary step to maintain the Army's effectiveness and readiness.

By addressing the gaps in experience and ensuring comprehensive training, the Army seeks to maintain a balance between a youthful force and experienced personnel, thus safeguarding the operational capabilities of the Indian Army.