Guwahati: The Centre launched a new ‘Agnipath’ scheme for the recruitment of soldiers in the Army, Navy, and Air Force, primarily on a short-term contractual basis on Tuesday. The system was created with the goal of reducing the nation’s soaring salary and pension costs.
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh revealed it at a press conference, shortly after the Cabinet Committee on Security approved the new scheme.
Rajnath Singh, who announced the commencement of the project, described it as a “transformative endeavour” that will give the armed forces a more youthful look.
Soldiers will be inducted for a four-year period under the revolutionary reforms in the recruitment procedure, with some of them being kept.
“Under the Agnipath initiative, Indian youth will have the opportunity to serve in the armed services as ‘Agniveers,'” stated the defence minister.
According to Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar, the initiative will provide a larger talent pool for military recruiting.
The “Agnipath” programme, formerly known as “Tour of Duty,” was unveiled in the presence of the three services’ leaders.
The new concept was announced after two years of intensive deliberation.
The soldiers that will be recruited as part of the initiative will be known as “Agniveer.”
Currently, the Army recruits’ young people under the short service commission, which has a 10-year initial term and can be extended to 14 years.
The plan aims to reduce the three agencies’ fast rising salary and pension costs.
The defence budget for 2022-23 was Rs 5,25,166 crore, which includes Rs 1,19,696 crore for military pensions.
The revenue expenditure budget was set at Rs 2,33,000 crore. Expenses for paying personnel and maintaining facilities are included in revenue expenditures.