Pune, 15 June 2022

Lt Gen Arvind Walia, Chief of Staff, HQ Southern Command today briefed the media at Pune on the newly launched ‘Agnipath’ scheme of recruitment into the Armed Forces. The Union Cabinet had approved the scheme for Indian youth to serve in the Armed Forces on 14 Jun 22. The youth selected under this scheme will be known as Agniveers.

“The Agnipath scheme is a transformational reform for the Army and the Nation and aims to bring paradigm changes in the Human Resource Management of the Indian Army. The concept of scheme envisages promotion of nationalism in the youth offering skilled manpower to the society and ensuring a more youthful profile of the Army. The ‘Agnipath’ allows patriotic and motivated youth to serve in the Armed Forces for a period of 4 years” said Gen Walia.

“A youthful profile of the Army will provide a fresh lease of ‘Josh and Jazba’ while bringing about a transformational shift towards a more technical savvy Armed Forces- which is the need of the hour”, he added.

The General officer assured that there will not be any compromise on the standards that the armed forces apply in ensuring the minimum physical, medical and professional parameters for new recruits. He also said that during the implementation and stabilisation of the scheme, Army’s operational capabilities and preparedness will be fully maintained.

“I wish to emphatically state that the Army will continue to retain its rich legacy, history, traditions, military values and culture - based on the principles of Cohesiveness, Camaraderie, Esprit-de-Corps and the core ethos of Naam, Namak and Nishan”, he stated.

It is envisaged that average age profile of Indian Armed forces would come down by about 4-5 years by implementation of this scheme. The dividends of a short military service to the nation, society and the youth of the nation are immense. This includes inculcation of patriotism, team work, enhancement of physical fitness, ingrained loyalty for the country and availability of trained personnel to boost national security in times of external threats, internal threats and natural disasters.

Agniveers will be given an attractive customised monthly package along with Risk and Hardship allowances as applicable in the three services. “On completion of the engagement period of four years, Agniveers will be paid one time ‘Seva Nidhi’ package which shall comprise their contribution including accrued interest thereon and matching contribution from the Government equal to the accumulated amount of their contribution including interest” added the Chief of Staff.

The scheme will lead to much more youthful and technically adept war fighting force by ensuring a fine balance between youthful and experienced personnel in the Armed Forces.

 MI/PM

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