Govt Says: “Do not let any myths related to the Agnipath scheme mislead you!” | Shares Myth-Busters Related To Agnipath Scheme

Armed forces aspirants and youngsters in Bihar and Rajasthan have been protesting, disrupting normalcy aggrieved over the recently launched Agnipath scheme.

In order to quell the disturbance, the Central government has attempted to break the myths surrounding the scheme.

Myth: Future of Agniveers is insecure

One such is that the scheme brings sinsecurity to the future of Agniveers.

They bring up the four-year duration and deem it very short.

This is incorrect, since those who wish to start their own business can avail a financial package and bank loan scheme.

#MyGovMythBusters!
Do not let any myths related to the Agnipath scheme mislead you! #BharatKeAgniveer pic.twitter.com/o47ICoyC6Y

— MyGovIndia (@mygovindia) June 16, 2022

Those wishing to study further instead will be given a 12 class equivalent certificate and bridging course for further studies.

Those who want salaried jobs will be given priority in Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and state police.

Also, there are several avenues which are being opened up for Agniveers in other sectors.

Myth: Opportunities for youth will decrease as a result of Agnipath

Another myth is that opportunities for youth will diminish as a result of Agnipath.

This is untrue, since there would actually be more opportunities and in the coming years, recruitment of Agniveers will be around triple from the current level in the armed forces.

Myth: Regimental bonding will be affected

Regimental bonding will be affected as per myths. 

Sources say that there won’t be any change done to the regimental system but rather it will be further accentuated since the best of Agniveers will be selected, further boosting cohesiveness of the unit.

Myth: This will harm the effectiveness of the Armed Forces

Some people believe that the scheme will harm the effectiveness of the Armed Forces.

The reality is that such a short term enlistment system exists in most countries and hence is already tried and tested.. 

It is now considered best practice for a youthful and agile army.

Myth: 21-year-olds are immature and unreliable for the army

What about the maturity and reliability of 21 year olds?

Answer? Most armies across the world depend upon their youths.

Also, at no point will there be more youngsters than experienced people.

The present scheme will bring about a right mix of 50-50 per cent of youngsters and experienced supervisory ranks.

Myth: Agniveers will be a danger to society and join terrorists

What if the recruited youth pose a danger to society and join terrorists?

This is actually offensive to the ethos and values of the Indian armed forces.

Youngsters who have worn the uniform for four years will remain committed to the country.

Even now thousands retire from armed forces with skills and other qualities and there haven’t been any instances of them joining anti-national forces.

Myth: No consultation was held with former armed forces officers

People believe that former armed forces officers were not consulted while formulating the scheme/

The actuality is that extensive consultations with serving armed forces personnel have been done for the last two years.

In fact, the proposal has been framed by the Department of Military Officers staffed by Military officers.

What is the Agnipath Scheme?

The Agnipath scheme was launched on 14 June by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and the chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

46,000 soldiers will be recruited annually between the ages of 17-and-a-half years and 21 years into the three services.

Once recruited, these soldiers will be called ‘Agniveers’.

They will serve a four-year short-term on a contractual basis.

The scheme is available only at the soldier level and not at the officer level.

This is an attempt to rejuvenate the forces by bringing in fitter and younger troops to deal with future security challenges.

How it actually works

The scheme lowers the average age of a soldier from the current 32 years to 24-26 years in six to seven years.

Only 25 per cent of all annual recruits will be allowed to continue for another 15 years under permanent commission.

Prior to the scheme, youths aged between 16-and-a-half years and 21 years were selected for a minimum of 15 years of service and used to get pension after retirement.