What is Tour of Duty–Agnipath Recruitment Scheme
It is a non-permanent recruitment to serve in the Indian Army. Volunteers of specified age will be able to serve for short term of 3 years and exit. Similar schemes are being followed in various other countries. Some of the highlights for India are: –
- 3 years of volunteer service. With pay at par with regular recruits.
- No pensionary benefits. Medical cover is likely to be applicable.
- Agniveer – The glorious name with which the recruits of this scheme would be called.
- Extension of Service – based on merit & recommendations. It is likely that the initial extension would be to 5 years, then to 10 and further based on merit to permanent service.
Benefits to the Volunteers
Though the scheme is mainly for the benefit of the nation as a whole but the benefits incurred by the volunteers would be manifold as well. Some of them would be: –
- Increased employment opportunities in other private and government services.
- Imbibing the discipline of the Armed Forces. Which is much sought after in the Non-Forces Employers.
- Likely inclusion of the medical benefits will be a great morale booster.
- Due to the lowered recruitment age, it will be of benefit when someone will be out of army after a tour of Duty and still be of age to get job in civil.
- Most Important. To serve the nation and being proud as an Agniveer.
Benefits to the Government
Initially the plan was mooted by The Chief of Army Staff Gen MM Naravane. It was proposed by the COAS in 2020. Its previous reference name was ‘Tour of Duty’. Main reason for the Army to propose such a bold plan is likely to be: –
- To reduce the pensionary burden of the government. (28% of the defense budget 2020-21 allocation was spent on the payment as pensions to the pensioners)
- To reduce the age profile of the Armed Forces and give more opportunity to the young blood to serve in the Armed Forces. Basically, it will result in reduced average age of the Armed Forces.
- Better control over the intake and the strength in the Armed Forces. Presently, it would require long term planning to control the strength in the Army. The idea is to go hand in hand with the vision of ‘Lean and Strong Army’.
- Higher number of disciplined Youth for the nation. Based on any future requirement these can be recalled. Increase in flexibility of the Strength of Armed Forces in case of War or War Situation.
Flaws/Drawbacks in the Agniveer Bharti Scheme
Though the plan is brought out after due deliberation. Required study is important and Top Brass would surely have undertaken the same before any proposal to the government. There are certain drawbacks in the Agnivir Recruitment Scheme. Some of them can be: –
- Increased cost of Recruitment to the government. Same time & cost of training will be required even if the service time is of 3 years.
- Lower levels of bonhomie, brotherhood, Esprit-de-Corps and Comradery due to short period of duty. These qualities take time to be inculcated or built. These are essential for Armed Forces to fight with full potential.
- Recruitment Procedure at Flaw. Usually, the recruitment for the ranks is done keeping the physicals in mind. More or less the psychological aptitude is not tested. The testing of psychological aptitude is must as most of the youth will be the one having no other option of recruitment. With the lack of this critical aspect in such short engagement, volunteers might aim for other benefits related to Army (Post Tour Prospect, Pensionary Benefits, Medical Cover for life).
- With India having no shortage of youth, the number of volunteers would not be less but the quality of the volunteers needs to be looked after.
- Lack of quality benefits. It is required by the government to make formal announcements and to make necessary amendments in the policies to direct the private sector to compulsorily have quota for the AGNIVEERS. Same goes for the policies governing the recruitment in the CAPFs.
Way Forward or the Suggested Changes
Tour of Duty is a time proven formula to cut down the expenditure of the state. However, there are certain changes or suggestions that are required in the Indian context: –
- The period of 3 years is less and should be minimum of 5-8 years as Agniveer.
- Strict and Quantifiable recruitment opportunities for the volunteers finishing the term. Laws to be amended accordingly.
- Strict recruitment procedure. It should include high IQ and tough entrance examination, psychological tests and All India based merit.
- NCC based entries to the Army needs to be reviewed for increase in the number of seats both for officers and men.
“Medhini supports the initiative of Agniveer Bharti Scheme, with the submission that present form of the plan is sketchy. Changes and clarification are required at the earliest.”