Agnipath Scheme Sparks Widespread Opposition and Controversy Across India

The Agnipath scheme, introduced by the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government, has sparked widespread opposition, drawing criticism from both political parties and Armed Forces veterans since its announcement in June 2022. The scheme has particularly become a point of contention in states such as Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Rajasthan, where the Armed Forces are a significant source of employment. The opposition to the scheme for military recruitment has been a central theme in the campaign of the INDIA bloc in these states, and it appears to have resonated with the electorate, as evidenced by the BJP’s performance in these regions.

The BJP, now without a majority in the Lok Sabha, is facing pressure from crucial alliance partners, including Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) and Chirag Paswan’s Lok Janshakti Party, both of which have called for a review of the controversial scheme. The reasons for this opposition are important to consider.

The Agnipath initiative is designed to enlist non-commissioned personnel – including soldiers, airmen, and sailors – into the Indian Armed Forces for a four-year term. Upon completion of this period, up to 25% of these recruits, known as ‘Agniveers’, have the opportunity to transition to the services on a permanent commission basis for an additional 15 years, contingent on merit and the organization’s needs.

Individuals aged between 17.5 and 23 years are eligible to apply, with the upper age limit having been extended from 21 years. The recruitment standards under Agnipath remain consistent with those of regular service prior to its implementation. Currently, the scheme encompasses recruitment for all soldiers, airmen, and sailors, with the exception of the technical cadre within the medical branch. Furthermore, Agnipath has facilitated the recruitment of women to the Indian Air Force and the Navy.

In June 2022, a new scheme was introduced following a two-year pause in military recruitment due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Under this scheme, individuals who join as Agniveers receive a basic monthly salary ranging from Rs 30,000 to Rs 40,000. Additionally, they are entitled to various risk and hardship allowances.

Agniveers contribute 30% of their monthly earnings to the Seva Nidhi fund, which is then matched by the government. Upon completion of their service, Agniveers receive a lump sum severance package from this fund, amounting to approximately Rs 11.71 lakhs with interest, and this amount is exempt from income tax.

In the event that an Agniveer passes away while on duty, their family is entitled to a lump sum payment of Rs 1 crore, which includes the Seva Nidhi package. Additionally, the family will receive full pay for the period the soldier could not serve. In cases of disability, an Agniveer can receive compensation of up to Rs 44 lakhs, based on the severity of the disability related to, or aggravated by military service.

The Agnipath scheme has introduced a significant change for Agniveers, as they will no longer receive pensions post-retirement unless they are absorbed into the forces after four years of service, after which they will be eligible for pensionary benefits. However, the initial four years of service will not be considered for pensionary benefits. This change is aimed at reducing the permanent force levels of the Armed Forces and cutting down the defense pension bill, which has been a longstanding concern for governments.

The government has emphasized the potential advantages of the program, not only in terms of finances but also in reshaping the demographic profile of the Armed Forces. By lowering the average age of military personnel from 32 to 26, the government hopes to inject youthful energy into the forces, making them more dynamic, technologically advanced, and in tune with modern needs.

Moreover, the government has emphasized that Agniveers, after completing their service, will contribute to civil society through their education, skills, discipline, and other qualities. This is anticipated to result in a higher-skilled workforce, contributing to productivity gains and overall GDP growth.

Furthermore, as part of the scheme, the government has committed to helping rehabilitate soldiers who leave the services after four years by providing them with skill certificates and bridge courses. Lt Gen Anil Puri, additional secretary of the Department of Military Affairs, affirmed the government’s commitment to supporting soldiers in their transition to civilian life during the scheme’s announcement.

Before the Punjab and Himachal Pradesh elections on June 1, Rahul wrote an open letter to President Droupadi Murmu, addressing a contentious issue. In his letter, he raised concerns about a scheme that some critics argue creates a lower-paid, subordinate category of soldiers. These soldiers are said to carry out the same duties as fully commissioned officers but with reduced benefits and limited career prospects. Rahul emphasized the urgent need for justice for Agniveers, who sacrificed their lives in service to the nation, and highlighted the disparity in benefits provided to their families compared to regular soldiers.

There is a significant discontent among those who view military recruitment as a means to achieve financial security and progress due to the existing disparity on the ground. Various political entities such as the Congress, AAP, RJD, and Samajwadi Party have advocated for the discontinuation of the scheme.

Within the Army, two cohorts comprising 40,000 Agniveers have finished their training and are currently awaiting deployment. Additionally, the third group, consisting of 20,000 individuals, commenced training in November 2023. In the Navy, three batches totaling 7,385 Agniveers have completed their training, while in the Indian Air Force (IAF), 4,955 Agniveers have successfully completed their training.