By Sangeeta Saxena

New Delhi. 13 January 2024. Come Army Day on 15 January every year, the annual press conference of the Chief of Army Staff, prior the parade, is the most well attended event and this time was no different. And just when one thought Agnipath and Agniveers are no longer controversial topics, former Chief General MM Naravane’s book got these back into the heat of the storm. And Indian Army Chief General Manoj Pande fielded all the questions on the issue with ease.

Responding to a question General Pande responded, that it would be unjust for him to comment on the remarks made by his predecessor. However he stressed that consultations and an iterative process were used to create the Agnipath scheme’s final framework and structure , adding that it  took into account whatever issues they had put across. He informed that the army has got positive feedback regarding and the Agniveers integration into the units is going well.

There are a few challenges in terms of training, but most of these are at the tactical level, Pande said.  These include adjusting  policies to better address the restricted training period or harmonising the physical and firing standards between regular soldiers and enlistees. He stated that as the scheme is functioning the Army is also picking up issues based on feedback and these are more in the area of management like pay and allowances. He ended satisfactorily with the information that two batches including 100 women Agniveers had completed the training and joined the units. Training of the third batch is going on.

In an effort to ensure a more physically fit military, reduce the average age of the armed forces, and develop a technically advanced combat force ready to take on new challenges, India unveiled the Agnipath programme on June 14, 2022, to replace the previous system. It caused massive demonstrations and compelled the government to launch a coordinated outreach to allay concerns regarding the plan.

In addition to receiving a non-contributory insurance cover of ₹48 lakh and an additional ex gratia payment of ₹44 lakh for death attributable to service, aided and abetted workers will receive an annual salary of ₹4.76 lakh in the first year of service and ₹6.92 lakh in the fourth. After four years, those who are released will receive ₹11.71 lakh as part of the Seva Nidhi severance package, which also includes the ₹5.02 lakh they paid in during their service. They will also be subject to employment quotas in various departments, paramilitary groups, and government organisations.

Lets see what retirement benefits are in store for the Agniveers? A sum of ₹12 lakh will be given to the retirees to begin a new, entrepreneurs will receive assistance in obtaining business loans, an equivalent Class 12 certificate will be awarded to those who wish to continue their education and the government will also set up bridging courses for additional study,

They will also be given precedence if they decide to pursue such a career, the recruitment for the police, the Assam Rifles, and the CAPF. In addition the retired Agniveers will also be given priority in the IT, security, and engineering sectors.