Protests are going on in many parts of the country against the Agneepath scheme of the Modi government. However, hours after the protest began, the government released the Myths vs Facts document. It was told that this scheme will not only bring new capabilities, but will also open avenues in the private sector. The government will also help the youth to become entrepreneurs with the help of financial package.
Those protesting on the road against this scheme are worrying more about the basic facilities. Their primary concerns include loss of jobs for only four years, withdrawal of pension and non-availability of affordable health care to soldiers and their families. There was also a fear that many of them were no longer eligible for the Agneepath scheme, as the age limit to become Agniveer was kept from 17.5 to 21 years. Late on Thursday night, an attempt was made by the government to address this concern. The government has increased the age limit of the candidates from 21 years to 23 years under this scheme. However, this age limit has been increased only for this year. It is known that the recruitment in the army was stopped for the last two years.
Till now, a soldier used to have a job of about 17 years. There was pension facility after retirement. Apart from this, there was also affordable health facility for the soldier and his family. The Agneepath scheme will eliminate these benefits. One of the main but untold objectives of this scheme is also to cut the rising salary and pension bills of the armed forces. The defense budget for the financial year 2022-23 is 5.25 lakh crore. Out of this, the government has allocated Rs 2.5 lakh crore for salary and pension.
The youth who are recruited under Agneepath scheme will be called Agniveer. During the tenure (4 years) the government will pay the salary. On termination of the job after four years, a lump sum amount of Rs 11.7 lakh will be given, on which no tax will be payable. If Agniveer dies in the line of duty, the family will be given a lump sum of Rs 1 crore including the sum insured and the remaining salary.
Under the Agniveer scheme, 75 percent of the jobs will be lost after four years of employment. But those who are left with 25 percent will get the benefit of all the facilities. But for this those 25 percent will have to complete the process of re-recruitment. On selection, there will be an opportunity to do an additional 15 years of service and pension and health benefits will also be given for that service.
Those 75 percent who will be discharged will be free to make a career in other field. Many departments and governments have assured help. For job seekers, the government has already said that they will get priority in the Central Armed Police Forces. Some BJP ruled states have also assured priority in police recruitment. In addition, the government has said that “many avenues are being opened for them in other areas as well.”