The Agniveer restructuring scheme needs operational and a strong policy mechanism

The supreme sacrifice made by first Agniveer Akshay Laxman Gawate who lost his life in the line of duty at the Siachen glacier has sparked speculation and directed fresh attention towards the Agnipath-Agniveer scheme. Incidentally, similar to Agniveer Gawate who was serving in one of the most hostile environmental conditions at high altitudes a few weeks ago, another Agniveer, Amritpal Singh lost his life while on duty in Jammu and Kashmir.

- MAJ GEN JKS PARIHAR

The Agnipath-Agniveer scheme was launched by the government last year to reform and restructure the Indian armed forces of 1.4 million strength to make the military younger, leaner, more agile, and versatile, making it better equipped for handling complex state-of-the-art technology clubbed with the ability to maintain rapid mobility and quick-response to match with the need of ultra-modern futuristic warfare challenges and security concern to the country. The government also intended to restrict expanding financial allocation of pay allowances and pensions of defence forces in the future.

However, nations should not consider defence expenses as a burden on the system. Robust armed forces are the need of the hour and one of the most crucial and important pillars of nation-building, development, growth, and international standing. Under this reform, the induction of non-officer cadres into the military was to be done through Agnipath schemes, except for very few cases of advanced technical entries. The age limit for enrollment was decided at 17 and a half to 21 years at the time of induction and all Agniveers are to undergo vigorous military training for the period of six months, followed by subsequent deployment in operational areas as a component of regular forces. Agniveers are to be subjected to continuous on the job training. The total period of their military duties will be restricted to four years.