Agnipath Yojana
This topic of “Agnipath Yojana” is important from the perspective of the UPSC IAS Examination, which falls under General Studies Portion.
Introduction
- Scheme by Department of Military Affairs, MoD
- Aims to improve battle preparedness with more energetic, fitter, diverse, and trainable youth
Ministry/Agency
- Department of Military Affairs, MoD
Objectives
- Impart rigorous military training to youth aged between 17.5 to 23 years
- Empower, discipline & skill youth with a military ethos
- Recruit 46,000 Agniveers in 2022
- Enroll 25% of Agniveers in Armed Forces as a regular cadre
Benefits
- Monthly financial package up to ₹6,92,000 for the 4th year
- Risk & Hardship Allowance
- Disability compensation of ₹15,00,000-₹44,00,000 depending on percentage of disability
- Death compensation of ₹92,00,000
- Pay for unserved portions up to four years including the “Seva Nidhi” component
- In-service training recognized by Ministry of Education for graduation credits
- Opportunity to pursue civilian careers of choice
Eligibility
- Applicant must be a citizen of India
- Age of applicant must be between 17.5 and 23 years for 2022 intake, and between 17.5 and 21 years for subsequent intakes
- Educational qualifications, physical, and medical standards set by Indian Army / Indian Navy / Indian Air Force
- Scheme applicable at the soldier (jawan) level, not officer level
Implementation Strategy
- Provide rigorous military training to eligible youth
- Enroll them as “Agniveers” for four years
- 25% of Agniveers to be enrolled in Armed Forces as a regular cadre
- Offer financial and other benefits to Agniveers
