AGNIPATH IS IN KEEPING WITH INDIAN MILITARY'S TRANSFORMATION

The Agnipath scheme is one of the transformations that the forces are undergoing.

- MAJ GEN HARSHA KAKAR

The debate on Agniveers, including its intent of reducing the pension bill is facing flak. But that is not the only reason for its introduction. The armed forces, in recent years, have been plagued by excessive low medical category cases, impacting operational efficiency, especially within the Army. Added is the need to reduce the age profile of soldiers. These together form the background of the scheme. There are other national benefits also.

On pensions, critics have questioned the cost of national security. Admiral Arun Prakash had earlier commented, “Economics (must) take a back seat to national security.” He subsequently wrote in the Indian Express, “One presumes that the Agnipath scheme, launched with much fanfare, is an outcome of this demand (reduce the pension bill).”

General Ashok Shivane mentions, “The initial tour of duty to Agniveer saw the anti-pension lobby disguised in the call for a younger and more techsavvy profile calling the shots.” Shivane also mentions that the armed forces have 2.4 pensioners for every serving soldier, while for civilian employees it is 1:1.

Shivane rightly adds that the per capita pension for defence employees is lower than that of its civilian counterparts. The armed forces are the only government organization not on the National Pension Scheme as most of its members retire early.

The impact of pensions on the defence budget is evident when its breakdown in percentages is assessed. For the current financial year 2024-25, the breakdown of the defence budget caters to 27.66% for capital expenditure; 14.82% for revenue sustenance and operational preparedness; 30.66% for pay and allowances; 22.70% for defence pensions and 4.17% for civil organizations under the Ministry of Defence.