On Tuesday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced a radical decision with a broader vision to launch a new scheme for young people called “Agnipath.” The Agnipath scheme calls for the recruitment of soldiers, sailors, and airmen to begin this year on an “All India-All Class” basis within 90 days.
Without studying it in the right perspective with an open mind, criticism has begun by a few opponents and are trying to show this scheme against the development of youths.
How will the Agnipath scheme help youths to prosper and develop personal and national character?
Life management is clearly important in academics, according to research on successful individuals. Leadership, teamwork, dealing with difficult situations, stress and fear management, mental toughness, effective communication, a caring and sharing attitude, and a nation-first attitude are all important qualities to have and help in achieving success, but they are not taught in schools or at home.
The education system’s lack of emphasis on life skills led to the development of a slave mentality, destroying the mental and social health of the majority of youths. That is why there is opposition to this significant scheme in some cities. Few opponents and so-called liberals working on behalf of their foreign fathers and massive funding brainwash such youths to cause societal unrest and property destruction. We are gradually learning about these people’s worst plan in derailing the most useful Farmers’ bill for 86 per cent of farmers with less than 2 acres of land.
The youth is a nation’s strength. If this asset is developed with personal and national character in mind, society and nation will benefit greatly, and unlawful and illegal activities will decrease. Those who do not want youths to succeed in whatever field they choose are using dirty tricks to derail the objective.
The four years of development will undoubtedly provide the youth with strong physical, mental, and social health, as well as discipline, commitment, and a goal-oriented approach to dealing with critical and difficult situations, leadership, teamwork, and improved awareness and alertness to identify enemies within society.
If they are not selected for the next role in the defence forces, these qualities will help them develop further in whatever field they pursue after four years. The technical skills acquired and life skills developed will undoubtedly add value to the ability to easily obtain jobs in both the public and private sectors. Even the acquired qualities and skills will aid in the effective and efficient start-up of a business.
The most important aspect is a sense of patriotism and a nation-first attitude, as well as a sharing and caring attitude. A character who inspires national pride and instils fear in enemies. Even during the school day, these qualities should be instilled in all youth.
What other advantages are planned?
The Agniveers will be enrolled in the forces under respective Service Acts for a four-year period under the scheme. Participants must be between the ages of 17.5 and 21.
They will receive a tax-free service fund package of 11.71 lakh upon completion of their service period.
Up to 25% of each specific batch of Agniveers will be enrolled in the armed forces’ regular cadre.
Agniveers will be paid a one-time ‘SevaNidhi’ package after their four-year stint, which will include their contribution, including accrued interest, and a matching contribution from the government equal to the accumulated amount of their contribution, including interest. Income Tax will not be levied on the ‘Seva Nidhi.’
Agniveers will be provided with a non-contributory Life Insurance Coverage of Rs. 48 lakh for the duration of their service in the Indian Armed Forces.
The Agniveers will be taught military skills and experience, as well as discipline, physical fitness, leadership qualities, courage, and patriotism. After four years, the Agniveers will be integrated into civil society. Each Agniveer’s skills will be recognised in a certificate that will be part of his unique resume.
Individuals selected for enrolment in the Armed Forces as regular cadre would be required to serve for a minimum of 15 years and would be governed by the existing terms and conditions of service of Junior Commissioned Officers/Other Ranks in the Indian Army and their equivalent in the Indian Navy and Indian Air Force, as amended from time to time. They would form a distinct military rank distinct from any other existing ranks.
Agniveers will be offered the opportunity to apply for permanent enrolment in the armed forces after four years of service, based on organisational requirements and policies promulgated by the Armed Forces from time to time. The youth must view it objectively and channel their energy for the benefit of themselves, society, and the nation.
