The Agnipath scheme, Indian
government’s overhaul of the nation’s soldier recruitment system, has triggered
a wave of protests across the country. Violent protests have been reported from
at least seven states. In Telangana’s Secunderabad, one person has died in
course of protests, NDTV reported. Trains are burning and railway stations are
clogged and the central government has started feeling the heat from aspirants.

What is the
Agnipath recruitment scheme?

The Agnipath recruitment
scheme seeks to create a contractual provision within the Indian Armed Forces.
Youngsters between ages 17.5 to 21 will be hired as ‘Agniveers’ and placed
within relevant ranks. They will receive months-long training and be paid
between Rs 30,000 to Rs 40,000 per month.

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At the end of four years,
25% of these youths will be recruited into permanent positions where they will
serve a minimum of 15 years. The remaining 75% will be released with a lumpsum
pay of Rs 11.5 lakh. Those released will not be entitled to any retirement or
medical benefits.

Soldiers before
Agnipath

The Agnipath recruitment
scheme is nearly a comprehensive overhaul of the system the Indian government
uses to recruit soldiers. In the system preceding Agnipath, people between ages
16.5 to 21 would be recruited into the Armed Forces directly for a minimum period
of 15 years. At the end of 15 years of service, the soldiers will receive
pension and other medical benefits.   

Why is Agnipath this
controversial?

Those protesting
the Agnipath scheme are worried that the new policy will take away the
guarantee of tenure with services in the Armed Forces. Protestors feel soldiers
recruited through this policy will be forced to forge new careers at the end of
four years of service. They want recruits to be hired for a minimum of 15 years
in accordance with the old system.

Also Read | Amid Agnipath protests, government raises maximum age to 23 this year

Meanwhile, not all
defence members are enthused about the prospect of four-year hires. Some
retired service officers said the new four-year recruits will be like tourist
soldiers and will affect the morale of the Armed Forces.

Also Read | Agnipath protests: Mob sets trains on fire, railway stations vandalised

Further, there are
also concerns that the new scheme will alter the composition of Indian Army
regiments that hire people from specific regions as well as castes, such as the
Jats, Rajputs and Sikhs.

How is the
government addressing the row?

The Indian
government is looking to make several provisions in order to address some of
the apprehensions about the Agnipath scheme. On Thursday, the Ministry of
Defence said people up to the age of 23 will be allowed to partake in
recruitment in 2022. This will be a one-time allowance because recruitments
remained closed for two consecutive years.

Further, the
government has also said that once soldiers finish their four-year tour of duty,
they will be recommended to various security units working across the country.
On the question of morale, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the scheme will
be a golden opportunity for young Indians to serve their country. On the
regiment question, media reports indicate that the regimental system will
continue.