A clear picture of the direction of Agneepath, after the dust

Clouds of dust rose after the announcement of Agneepath Scheme It’s settled now. Under the scheme, about 50,000 soldiers, or ‘agnivars’, would be recruited annually, most of whom would leave the service in four years. Only 25% will be retained in the service as permanent cadre for the next 15 years. With the passage of time, it is now possible to review the plan in a more mature and practical manner, especially since the first batch of Agniveers are on their way to their training centres. The recruitment rallies organized for Agniveers have received positive response from both boys and girls.

the Times They Are A changin’

Nothing is always constant and change will always be the order of the day. Therefore, our policies also need to change and align with the future. To say that we should continue to do what we have traditionally done and never review our policies is not the right approach. The merits or demerits of a particular policy can be debated and given feedback to make it more robust. But condemning it outright smacks of a ‘status quo’ attitude.

Looking at the past, there have always been changes in the Human Resource (HR) policies of the Central Government employees. For example, in 1998, the retirement age was increased by two years for all central government employees, including armed forces personnel. Even then there was an uproar that this would lead to stagnation etc. But now, more than 20 years later, it’s business as usual. Does that mean it will never change? Not necessarily so.

There is already talk of raising the retirement age to 65 in keeping with the global trends. Similarly, the terms and conditions of service for our soldiers, sailors and airmen have been amended from time to time. So, to say that the Agneepath scheme is tinkering with systematic systems, or falling back on cliches like “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it”, is self-defeating. Good turnout in Agniveer rallies shows that our youth are motivated and willing to serve the nation.

training and relationships

Our current system of training of about a year – and even more so for technical weapons – was designed when the level of education of recruits was low, with an even lower technical threshold; Hence, time was needed to drill the concepts in them. Nowadays, all our youth are technically savvy, including those from villages. Everyone has a smartphone; Everyone uses digital payment platform. It is irrational to continue with the old training methods. There is great potential to optimize the training period. Given basic training, proficiency can be achieved in the job, and the same is done in many armies of the world. As the Agneepath plan was being worked out, the issue was discussed with the Foreign Service Chiefs and delegations. In most cases, the training period varies between six and eight months. When a naval chief was asked about sending his sailors onboard with only six months of training, his answer was affirmative: ‘Where else can you learn better than on the high seas?’

Another aspect that has been discussed a lot is the bonding and esprit de corps, and whether or not Agnivers will be able to deliver when the time comes. Why are we questioning or doubting their abilities without giving them a chance? As far as the esprit de corps is concerned, it is on the units. There is a saying in the Indian Army that “there are no good units or bad units; only good officers and bad officers”. The definition of officers can be expanded to include ‘seniors’ – good or bad seniors. The supervisory staff in the unit is good, so they welcome firefighters, mold them and make them part of the team.

Before the 1971 war, recruits were inducted into units after a short training period; And within months, they were in the thick of fighting. Within a month or two they can stand up and deliver and have that esprit de corps. So it will happen now. Young soldiers are more likely to take risks. Most of the gallantry award winners have a youthful profile. For example, Subedar Major (Honorary Captain) Yogendra Singh Yadav, Param Vir Chakra, was only 19 years old when he was awarded the Param Vir Chakra on July 4, 1999, after his conspicuous gallant act in the Kargil conflict. Despite several injuries, he survived.

Lateral absorption

While preparing the Agneepath plan, the aspect of lateral absorption in the Central Armed Police Forces, State Police and even in other ministries was considered. However, it was felt that since the issue would come up only after four years, when the first consignment of Agniveers would be re-mobilised, it could be considered at a later stage. Various ministries will not only have to identify potential vacancies but also amend their respective service rules to include such aspects as increased age of joining, ex-date benefits for services rendered and so on. Can you It is expected that aspects like pension and medical cover will be resolved automatically. After the announcement of the policy, there was public outcry over the issue of rehabilitation of demobilized firefighters. The Ministry of Home Affairs and some state governments directly announced 10% lateral induction. Therefore, it was not an afterthought, but it would certainly render the need urgent to make the necessary legally valid and non-discriminatory amendments.

Comment | Agneepath, a fire that can make India sing

A United Nations report states that India’s population is among the youngest in the world. However, this demographic point pays a dividend only if it is disciplined and infused with nationalist fervor. This is the underlying philosophy of the Agneepath scheme, which will be beneficial to the nation, the armed forces and the individual. All new plans have initial hassle and will also have its fair share. Whenever these come up, there will always be room for improvement in between. Even the Constitution of India has been amended 105 times. Collective determination is needed to make Agneepath scheme a success.

General Manoj Mukund Naravane (retired) was the Chief of the Army Staff of India, 2019-2022