Agnipath Scheme [1] (also spelled Agneepath Scheme) ( Hindi: Agnīpath Yojanā, transl. Agnipath Scheme) is a tour of duty style scheme approved by the Government of India on 14 June 2022 and implemented in the country a few months later in September 2022, for recruitment of soldiers below the rank of commissioned officers into the three services of the armed forces. [2] All recruits will be hired only for a four year period. Personnel recruited under this system are to be called Agniveers ( transl. Fire-Warriors), which will be a new military rank. [3] [4] The introduction of the scheme has been criticised for lack of consultation and public debate. [4]
This scheme will bypass many things including long tenures, pension and other benefits which were there in old system. [5] Opposition parties in India have criticised and expressed concerns about the consequences of the new scheme. They have asked the scheme to be put on hold and that the scheme be discussed in the Parliament. [6]
Prior to the introduction of the scheme, soldiers were recruited into the armed forces on a 15+ year tenure with lifelong pension. [7] From 2019, no recruitment in the armed forces was done for three years. The Indian Government cited COVID-19 pandemic in India for this. Meanwhile 50,000 to 60,000 soldiers continued to retire annually, leading to a personnel shortage that had begun to affect the operational capabilities of the armed forces. [8] [9]
Year | Soldiers |
---|---|
2015–16 | 71,804 |
2016–17 | 52,447 |
2017–18 | 50,026 |
2018–19 | 53,431 |
2019–20 | 80,572 |
2020–21 | 0 |
2021–22 | 0 |
2022–23 | 0 |
2023-24 | 13,000 |
In 2020 a ' Tour of duty' scheme was proposed for voluntary recruitment into the forces for civilians to enable them to join for three years of short service. [11] The proposed scheme was on a trial basis and was planned to start with a test group of 100 officers and 1000 soldiers. [12]
The scheme has been taken to be named after Agnipath, a Hindi poem by Harivansh Rai Bachchan and a popular 1990 film of the same name based on the poem. [13]
The Agnipath scheme was approved by the Indian Government in June 2022 to be implemented from September 2022. The announcement was done on 14 June 2022. [14] The scheme is for both male and female aspirants of age group 17.5 to 21 years. In the midst of widespread protests against the scheme, the Central Government raised the upper limit from 21 to 23, but only for recruitment in the year 2022. [15] [16] The recruitment through this scheme is to be twice a year for the Indian Army, the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force. The posts available are below the officer cadre. [17] [2] [18]
The recruits named Agniveers serve for a tenure of four years that include training for six months followed by 3.5 years deployment. [18] After retirement from the service, they will have the opportunity to apply to continue in the armed forces. Not more than 25 percent of the total strength of the retiring batch will be selected for the permanent cadre. [19] Personnel who retire after 4 years of service will not be eligible for pension, but will receive a lump sum amount of approximately ₹11.71 lakh at the end of tenure. [20] [7] [21] The Indian government plans to recruit 45,000 to 50,000 new personnel every year through this scheme. [22] In September 2022, 46,000 youngsters are planned to be recruited through the scheme. [7]
On 17 July 2022, Jammu and Kashmir's Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha announced a 10% reservation in Jammu and Kashmir Police service for those who retire after serving in the military under the Agnipath scheme. [23]
In May 2024, reports emerged about a survey that was conducted by Indian Army. It was reported that some changes in the scheme may be proposed to the government that will be formed after 2024 Indian general election. The survey consisted 10 questions has been sent to the 'stakeholders' concerned. By the end of May, each group's responses to the particular questions will be compiled and evaluated further. According to the report, recruiters will also be required to reply to inquiries regarding the scheme's overall effect on Army recruiting following its implementation. The training staff at regimental centres, unit and sub-unit commanders of the Agniveers were also surveyed. The recruiters shall be asked about the impact of the scheme after int implementation. Along with observations on the Agniveers' training and general educational standards, the Army's training personnel at the regiment centres is expected to offer details on the Agniveers' physical standards. It is also expected of the staff to respond to different aspects of training and the influence of competition for permanent absorption in the Army on the overall mindset of the Agniveers. [24] [25]
On 12 July 2024, Central Industrial Security Force, Border Security Force and Railway Protection Force announced 10% reservation and age relaxation for former Agniveer soliders. [26] The reservation is also applicable within Central Armed Police Forces and Assam Rifles. [27]
The scheme will not include long tenures, pensions, or other benefits that existed in the old system. [5] Individuals aspiring to join Armed Forces were disappointed with the rules of the new scheme. The main causes of concern were the short length of service, no pension provisions for those released early, and the 17.5 to 21-year age restriction. Many of the current aspirants were rendered ineligible to serve in the Indian armed forces under these new rules. [28]
Before the introduction of the new scheme for recruitment, Indian government did not produce any white papers. The scheme was neither debated in the parliament nor in the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence. No information about the scheme was given to the public prior to its announcement. [4]
The Hindu in its editorial, asked the scheme to be put on hold and stated, "If a soldier's job is now turned into contractual employment, it might not motivate aspirants who hope for job security, pension, and honour. The argument that defence should not be treated as an employment guarantee scheme is rhetorically impressive, but the fact is that from the manufacturing of arms to the employment of soldiers, the sector plays a critical role in the economy. For a country like India, where unemployment remains a major policy challenge, the concerns cannot be dismissed easily. The Government also faces the very credible charge that this is nothing more than a cost-cutting plan." [7]
On 30 June Punjab Legislative Assembly passed a resolution recommending the state government that it urges the Union Government of India to immediately roll back the scheme. The resolution was opposed by BJP members of the assembly who were in minority. Punjab was the only state to pass such a resolution. [57]
Data from Director General Resettlement, Government of India - the nodal body responsible for rehabilitating retired military personnel, shows that states, Central public sector units, including defence PSUs, and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) have failed to recruit against the vacancies reserved for veterans. [58]
According to a Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) provision, 10 per cent of vacancies in Central government jobs in Group C and 20 per cent in Group D are reserved for veterans. [58]
For public sector banks, Central public sector units, and CAPF, the reservation is 14.5 and 24.5 per cent, respectively. But, as of June last year,[ clarification needed] ex-servicemen constituted only 1.15% of the Group C strength and 0.3% of the Group D strength in 94 of the 170 CPSUs. [58]
The picture is more dismal if Central ministries are taken into consideration. Between 32 Central ministries, only 1.60 per cent of the 22,168 positions reserved for veterans have been filled. For instance, the Indian Railways, one of the world's largest employers, could only fill 1.4 per cent (16,264 out of the 1.15 million) positions reserved for retired personnel of the armed forces. For the ten defence PSUs, where the Centre has announced a 10 per cent reservation for the Agnipath scheme, veterans constituted only 3.45 per cent and 2.71 per cent of Group C and Group D posts, respectively. Even the paramilitary forces haven't shown much interest in hiring veterans. [58]
As of June 2021, only 0.62 per cent of positions reserved for veterans have been filled by the five wings of the paramilitary forces - Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), and Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). [58]
Organisation | Central Public Sector Units | Public Sector Banks | Departments of Central Government | Central Armed Police Forces |
---|---|---|---|---|
Percentage | 0.30 | 21.34 | 2.66 | 0 |
Ex-Servicemen in Group D | 404 | 22,839 | 8,642 | 0 |
Total Strength in Group D | 134,733 | 1,07,009 | 3,25,265 | 0 |
Percentage | 1.15 | 9.10 | 1.29 | 0.47 |
Ex- Servicemen in Group C | 3,138 | 24,733 | 13,976 | 4,146 |
Total Strength in Group C | 272,848 | 2,71,741 | 10,84,705 | 88,1397 |
The states have also been unable to find jobs for military returns. For instance, by the end of 2020, Bihar, UP, Punjab and Haryana, which cumulatively account for 80 per cent of the Indian armed forces, have given jobs to only 1.5 per cent out of the 200,000 veterans who had registered for a job. [58]
State | Number of Ex-servicemen Registered for Employment |
Total Jobs Given | Percentage % |
---|---|---|---|
Rajasthan | 53,373 | 1,415 | 2.6 |
Uttar Pradesh | 86,192 | 1,616 | 1.8 |
Punjab | 60,772 | 1,150 | 1.8 |
Haryana | 29,275 | 534 | 1.8 |
Bihar | 43,845 | 6 | 0.01 |
On 14 June 2022, soon after the announcement of the scheme, violent protests erupted in several states in India where the army aspirants angry with the new scheme called for its rollback and damaged public property including buses and trains. [28] This scheme evoked mixed reactions from army veterans mostly negative. [59] [60]
On 15 June 2022, the news of the protest was first reported from the state of Bihar where National highways and railway tracks were blocked by the protesters. [61]
On 16 June 2022, violence was reported at Chhapra, Jehanabad, Munger and Nawada in Bihar. [62] Army aspirants burnt down trains and buses. They set fire to train bogies in Kaimur and Chhapra districts, blocking train traffic in Siwan, Ara, Jehanabad, Nawada, Saharsha, Chhapra, and road traffic in some places. [63] Later the protests along with violent incidents were reported in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana and other states. [62] More than 200 trains were affected by the protests, 35 trains have been cancelled and 13 trains were terminated short of their destination. [28]
On 17 June, protesters attacked the house of the Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, Renu Devi. [64] [65] The mobs of young protesters went on a rampage and set fire to trains and other property after which Bihar government ordered internet shutdowns in 18 districts. More than 325 people were arrested in Bihar and 250 in Uttar Pradesh. [66] 12 trains were set on fire, and the movement of 300 trains were affected. 214 trains were cancelled, 11 trains were diverted and 90 were terminated short of their destination. [40] At least 1 person was killed in the protests. [67]
A 19 year old protester was shot dead in Telangana. [68] Internet was shut down in 12 districts of Bihar. [69] In the BJP-ruled Haryana massive protest occurred in which the angry protesters threw stones at vehicles in Ballabhgarh, squatted on railway tracks to stop train movement in Jind and burnt tyres in Rohtak. In Uttar Pradesh hundreds of angry young protesters carried bamboo sticks and stones and stormed railway premises in several cities, blocked highways and targeted private vehicles. [66]
On 18 June, protesters in Bihar called for a strike against the scheme. They clashed with the police and set fire to several vehicles since morning in Bihar. [66] Train services were stopped in Bihar till 8 pm on 18 June. They will be stopped again from 4 am onwards on 19 June. More than 350 trains were cancelled across India as the violence continued in several states. [70]
Chief Minister of Rajasthan Ashok Gehlot leading the State Council of Ministers passed a unanimous resolution calling for the withdrawal of the scheme. [71] In Kerala a large protest march was held in Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode, against the scheme. [70] The protesters said their strikes would continue till the Centre rolls back its decision and ensured justice. [66]
Among the states, the worst incidents of violence occurred in Bihar, where the protesters set trains on fire, vandalised railway stations, and attacked BJP leaders' offices, homes, and cars. Two BJP MPs and eight BJP legislators (including two Deputy Chief Ministers) were given the third-highest level 'Y' Category security by the central government after approval by Narendra Modi. [72]
Student organization like Students' Federation of India (SFI) organised took massive rallies and protests in several parts of country against the alleged anti youth scheme. There were protests in Delhi, UP, Haryana, Rajasthan and other parts of the country. SFI along with Democratic Youth Federation of India have called for a protests at Jantar mantar on 19 June. [73] [74]
On 19 June, Virendra Kumar, Chief Public relations officer, East Central Railway, told media that estimates of the damage to property are still being made, but approximately upwards of Rs 700 crore property has been damaged. He also said that five trains, 60 coaches and 11 engines have been burnt, railway is preparing a full report for the damage caused to property. [75] In Karnataka, Police lathi-charged Agnipath protesters in Karnataka's Dharwad. Anti-'Agnipath' protests were also reported from other parts of Karnataka, such as Gokak and Belgaum districts. [76] Patna District magistrate said 23 FIRs were registered and 147 arrests were made. He alleged the involvement of 3 coaching centres in the protests. [77] Ludhiana Police termed the protests "planned conspiracy" as the Ludhiana Railway station was vandalised.
Congress leader Kanhaiya Kumar called the new military recruitment scheme, "a scam" but added that the protests against it should be peaceful. [78]
On 20 June, a country wide strike named Bharat Bandh was called by the protesting organisations demanding a roll back of the scheme. The call was made on social media without naming any organisation. [39] More than 600 trains were cancelled due to the strike. The Delhi- Gurgaon Expressway saw heavy traffic jams following a call for Bharat Bandh against the recruitment scheme. In Faridabad and Noida, prohibitory orders had been imposed that prohibit the assembly of four or more persons. Massive jams was seen on the expressway near the Sarhaul border as Delhi Police checked vehicles. Internet services were shut down in more than 20 districts of Bihar [79] [80]
In Jharkhand, all schools were closed and heavy security was deployment in state on calls for a bandh. [81] In Karnataka, holiday was announced for 75 educational institutions on the wake Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the state. Some attributed it to security concerns due to the ongoing protests and calls for a bandh. [82] [83] Section 144 was imposed in some parts of the state of Rajasthan, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. [84] [85] In Jammu and Kashmir, Aam Aadmi Party leader Mehraj Malik put under house arrest. [86] Government of Bihar suspended Internet in 20 districts amid protests. Meanwhile, it enhanced the securities of BJP offices in 11 districts. The Bihar Police deployed Sashastra Seema Bal personnel at the offices of BJP to prevent any untoward incidents. [87]
21 June onwards several protest marches were held in multiple cities. Samyukt Kisan Morcha has supported the protests and planned protest meetings between 7–14 August. [88] [89] [90] [91] [92]
3 pleas were filed in the Supreme Court of India in June by Advocates M. L. Sharma, Vishal Tiwari and Harsh Ajay Singh against the Agnipath scheme. [107] Sharma alleged that the government has quashed the century-old selection process for the Armed forces which is contrary to the constitutional provisions and without having parliamentary approval.
A plea, filed in the apex court by Advocate M. L. Sharma, has sought to quash the 14 June notification/press note claiming it to be illegal and unconstitutional. [108] [109] M. L. Sharma alleged that on 14 June 2022, contrary to the constitutional provisions and without having approval in parliament and without any gazette notification, the Centre tinkered with the century-old Army selection process and imposed the scheme for recruitment in all three Armed forces divisions. [108] The plea also referred to the protest all over the country against the scheme. [108] The plea has also sought directions to the Centre and Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Bihar, Haryana, and Rajasthan governments to submit a status report on the violent protests. [108] It has sought a direction to set up an expert committee under the chairmanship of a retired apex court judge to examine the scheme and its impact on national security and Army. [108] [110]
On 6 July, a fresh plea was filed in the Supreme Court by ex-servicemen Ravindra Singh Shekhawat. He has sought quashing of notification issued by the Ministry of Defence, contending it as illegal, unconstitutional, and ultra vires to the rights guaranteed under the Constitution. He said, "The recently launched scheme has received skepticism nationwide from the armed forces aspirants and has left several questions unanswered. Some of the concerns are related to the aspirants who were in the middle/final stages of their recruitment process.This abrupt change in the recruitment process has evoked several unforeseeable circumstances for the aspirants and has put their futures at stake/in the dark. The scheme fails to accommodate the individuals who have been preparing for the armed forces for the last many years and have not been able to participate in the recruitment process due to lack of vacancies due to COVID-19," the plea said. Plea also sought direction to initiate a ' Pilot project', to study the cause and effect of the scheme, and the impact of the newly introduced training process on combat effectiveness, operational readiness, and defence preparedness. [111]
On the same day, a petition was also moved before the Delhi High Court by various candidates shortlisted as Airmen in Indian Air Force seeking issuance of enrolment list and completion of previous recruitment as per a 2019 notification, without being affected by Centre's new Agnipath recruitment scheme for armed forces. A division bench consisting of Justice Suresh Kumar Kait and Justice Saurabh Banarjee deferred the petition for two weeks in view of the pendency of a similar matter before the Supreme Court. Filed through Advocate Prashant Bhushan, the plea has been moved by 20 candidates awaiting their enrolment as Airmen in Indian Air Force in Group "X" trades (except education instructor trade) and Group "Y" trades (except automobile technician), Indian Air Force (Security), Indian Air Force (Police) and musician trades. [112]
One of the oldest and the largest training centers of Indian Army, the Nashik Road-based Artillery Centre is one of the venues approved by army for training the youths recruited as Agniveers. The first batch consisting of 5000 Agniveers will undergo 31-week rigorous training at the Artiliery Centre, of which first 10 weeks will be for basic military training, whereas the balance 21 weeks will be for advanced training programmes. The Agniveers will be divided in to four disciplines- drivers, gunners, radio operators and technical assistants, on the basis of their aptitude and skill. [113]
The state of the 'Art Agniveer Training Facility located at Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry(JAKLI) Regiment Center, Dhansal of Udhampur district was visited by General Officer Commanding-in- Chief (GOC-in-C) Northern Command, to review the preparedness and arrangement for the first batch. [114]
Indian Armed Forces will recruit 46,000 Agniveers in 2023 including 40,000 in the Indian Army. [115] The remaining 3,000 Agniveers each will be inducted into Indian Navy and Indian Air Force. [116] About 19,000 personnel below officer rank (PBOR) recruited as Agniveers of the Indian Army started training at nearly 40 centres across India from January 2023, while second batch 21,000 Agniveers will start training in March 2023. [117] 25% of Agniveers will be retained by the Indian Army at the end of a four-year tour of duty (ToD) to serve out their full tenure of 17 more years, while the remaining will be relieved. [118]
As of May 2024, two batches of 40,000 have completed training under the Army and 20,000 more are being trained since November 2023. Further, three batches of 7,385 Agniveer Navy and two batches of 4,955 Agniveer Vayu (Air Force) have completed training. [24] [25]
On 1 June 2024, another batch of 2,614 Agniveer Vayu (Air Force) trainees completed their training from Airmen Training School. [119] In June 2024, third batch of 2,500 Agniveers (914 from Madras Regimental Centre, 560 from Maratha Light Infantry Regimental Centre, 624 from Punjab Regimental Centre, 402 from Ladakh Scouts) completed their 31-week training and joined the Army. [120] [121] [122] [123]
On 1 January 2023, a 31-week systemised training for first batch of 2,264 personnel below officer rank (PBOR) recruited as Agniveers commenced at the Golconda Artillery Centre in Hyderabad. [124] [125] The training for second batch of about 3,000 start on 3 March 2023. [126]
In January 2023, the training for the first batch of 2,640 Agniveers started in Nashik Road-based Artillery centre. [127] [128] The training for the second batch will start in March 2023. These Agniveers will get the opportunity to serve as Gunners (Topchi), Technical Assistants, Radio Operators and Motor Drivers in Indian Army. [129]
In January 2023, the training for 796 Agniveers started in Ranikhet, regimental headquarters of the Kumaon Regiment, at the Somnath Sharma Parade ground. [130]
Army recruitment procedure of Agniveers is set to change.Army has decided to conduct online Common Entrance Exam (CEE) before the physical recruitment. Approximately 200 centers across the country have been identified for the conduct of first online CEE. Online applications for registration will be available for one month from mid February 2023 for the exam scheduled in April 2023. The amended recruitment process aims at cognitive aspect and reduction of large crowds during recruitment rallies resulting in better management and easier conduct. [131]
Agnipath Scheme [1] (also spelled Agneepath Scheme) ( Hindi: Agnīpath Yojanā, transl. Agnipath Scheme) is a tour of duty style scheme approved by the Government of India on 14 June 2022 and implemented in the country a few months later in September 2022, for recruitment of soldiers below the rank of commissioned officers into the three services of the armed forces. [2] All recruits will be hired only for a four year period. Personnel recruited under this system are to be called Agniveers ( transl. Fire-Warriors), which will be a new military rank. [3] [4] The introduction of the scheme has been criticised for lack of consultation and public debate. [4]
This scheme will bypass many things including long tenures, pension and other benefits which were there in old system. [5] Opposition parties in India have criticised and expressed concerns about the consequences of the new scheme. They have asked the scheme to be put on hold and that the scheme be discussed in the Parliament. [6]
Prior to the introduction of the scheme, soldiers were recruited into the armed forces on a 15+ year tenure with lifelong pension. [7] From 2019, no recruitment in the armed forces was done for three years. The Indian Government cited COVID-19 pandemic in India for this. Meanwhile 50,000 to 60,000 soldiers continued to retire annually, leading to a personnel shortage that had begun to affect the operational capabilities of the armed forces. [8] [9]
Year | Soldiers |
---|---|
2015–16 | 71,804 |
2016–17 | 52,447 |
2017–18 | 50,026 |
2018–19 | 53,431 |
2019–20 | 80,572 |
2020–21 | 0 |
2021–22 | 0 |
2022–23 | 0 |
2023-24 | 13,000 |
In 2020 a ' Tour of duty' scheme was proposed for voluntary recruitment into the forces for civilians to enable them to join for three years of short service. [11] The proposed scheme was on a trial basis and was planned to start with a test group of 100 officers and 1000 soldiers. [12]
The scheme has been taken to be named after Agnipath, a Hindi poem by Harivansh Rai Bachchan and a popular 1990 film of the same name based on the poem. [13]
The Agnipath scheme was approved by the Indian Government in June 2022 to be implemented from September 2022. The announcement was done on 14 June 2022. [14] The scheme is for both male and female aspirants of age group 17.5 to 21 years. In the midst of widespread protests against the scheme, the Central Government raised the upper limit from 21 to 23, but only for recruitment in the year 2022. [15] [16] The recruitment through this scheme is to be twice a year for the Indian Army, the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force. The posts available are below the officer cadre. [17] [2] [18]
The recruits named Agniveers serve for a tenure of four years that include training for six months followed by 3.5 years deployment. [18] After retirement from the service, they will have the opportunity to apply to continue in the armed forces. Not more than 25 percent of the total strength of the retiring batch will be selected for the permanent cadre. [19] Personnel who retire after 4 years of service will not be eligible for pension, but will receive a lump sum amount of approximately ₹11.71 lakh at the end of tenure. [20] [7] [21] The Indian government plans to recruit 45,000 to 50,000 new personnel every year through this scheme. [22] In September 2022, 46,000 youngsters are planned to be recruited through the scheme. [7]
On 17 July 2022, Jammu and Kashmir's Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha announced a 10% reservation in Jammu and Kashmir Police service for those who retire after serving in the military under the Agnipath scheme. [23]
In May 2024, reports emerged about a survey that was conducted by Indian Army. It was reported that some changes in the scheme may be proposed to the government that will be formed after 2024 Indian general election. The survey consisted 10 questions has been sent to the 'stakeholders' concerned. By the end of May, each group's responses to the particular questions will be compiled and evaluated further. According to the report, recruiters will also be required to reply to inquiries regarding the scheme's overall effect on Army recruiting following its implementation. The training staff at regimental centres, unit and sub-unit commanders of the Agniveers were also surveyed. The recruiters shall be asked about the impact of the scheme after int implementation. Along with observations on the Agniveers' training and general educational standards, the Army's training personnel at the regiment centres is expected to offer details on the Agniveers' physical standards. It is also expected of the staff to respond to different aspects of training and the influence of competition for permanent absorption in the Army on the overall mindset of the Agniveers. [24] [25]
On 12 July 2024, Central Industrial Security Force, Border Security Force and Railway Protection Force announced 10% reservation and age relaxation for former Agniveer soliders. [26] The reservation is also applicable within Central Armed Police Forces and Assam Rifles. [27]
The scheme will not include long tenures, pensions, or other benefits that existed in the old system. [5] Individuals aspiring to join Armed Forces were disappointed with the rules of the new scheme. The main causes of concern were the short length of service, no pension provisions for those released early, and the 17.5 to 21-year age restriction. Many of the current aspirants were rendered ineligible to serve in the Indian armed forces under these new rules. [28]
Before the introduction of the new scheme for recruitment, Indian government did not produce any white papers. The scheme was neither debated in the parliament nor in the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence. No information about the scheme was given to the public prior to its announcement. [4]
The Hindu in its editorial, asked the scheme to be put on hold and stated, "If a soldier's job is now turned into contractual employment, it might not motivate aspirants who hope for job security, pension, and honour. The argument that defence should not be treated as an employment guarantee scheme is rhetorically impressive, but the fact is that from the manufacturing of arms to the employment of soldiers, the sector plays a critical role in the economy. For a country like India, where unemployment remains a major policy challenge, the concerns cannot be dismissed easily. The Government also faces the very credible charge that this is nothing more than a cost-cutting plan." [7]
On 30 June Punjab Legislative Assembly passed a resolution recommending the state government that it urges the Union Government of India to immediately roll back the scheme. The resolution was opposed by BJP members of the assembly who were in minority. Punjab was the only state to pass such a resolution. [57]
Data from Director General Resettlement, Government of India - the nodal body responsible for rehabilitating retired military personnel, shows that states, Central public sector units, including defence PSUs, and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) have failed to recruit against the vacancies reserved for veterans. [58]
According to a Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) provision, 10 per cent of vacancies in Central government jobs in Group C and 20 per cent in Group D are reserved for veterans. [58]
For public sector banks, Central public sector units, and CAPF, the reservation is 14.5 and 24.5 per cent, respectively. But, as of June last year,[ clarification needed] ex-servicemen constituted only 1.15% of the Group C strength and 0.3% of the Group D strength in 94 of the 170 CPSUs. [58]
The picture is more dismal if Central ministries are taken into consideration. Between 32 Central ministries, only 1.60 per cent of the 22,168 positions reserved for veterans have been filled. For instance, the Indian Railways, one of the world's largest employers, could only fill 1.4 per cent (16,264 out of the 1.15 million) positions reserved for retired personnel of the armed forces. For the ten defence PSUs, where the Centre has announced a 10 per cent reservation for the Agnipath scheme, veterans constituted only 3.45 per cent and 2.71 per cent of Group C and Group D posts, respectively. Even the paramilitary forces haven't shown much interest in hiring veterans. [58]
As of June 2021, only 0.62 per cent of positions reserved for veterans have been filled by the five wings of the paramilitary forces - Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), and Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). [58]
Organisation | Central Public Sector Units | Public Sector Banks | Departments of Central Government | Central Armed Police Forces |
---|---|---|---|---|
Percentage | 0.30 | 21.34 | 2.66 | 0 |
Ex-Servicemen in Group D | 404 | 22,839 | 8,642 | 0 |
Total Strength in Group D | 134,733 | 1,07,009 | 3,25,265 | 0 |
Percentage | 1.15 | 9.10 | 1.29 | 0.47 |
Ex- Servicemen in Group C | 3,138 | 24,733 | 13,976 | 4,146 |
Total Strength in Group C | 272,848 | 2,71,741 | 10,84,705 | 88,1397 |
The states have also been unable to find jobs for military returns. For instance, by the end of 2020, Bihar, UP, Punjab and Haryana, which cumulatively account for 80 per cent of the Indian armed forces, have given jobs to only 1.5 per cent out of the 200,000 veterans who had registered for a job. [58]
State | Number of Ex-servicemen Registered for Employment |
Total Jobs Given | Percentage % |
---|---|---|---|
Rajasthan | 53,373 | 1,415 | 2.6 |
Uttar Pradesh | 86,192 | 1,616 | 1.8 |
Punjab | 60,772 | 1,150 | 1.8 |
Haryana | 29,275 | 534 | 1.8 |
Bihar | 43,845 | 6 | 0.01 |
On 14 June 2022, soon after the announcement of the scheme, violent protests erupted in several states in India where the army aspirants angry with the new scheme called for its rollback and damaged public property including buses and trains. [28] This scheme evoked mixed reactions from army veterans mostly negative. [59] [60]
On 15 June 2022, the news of the protest was first reported from the state of Bihar where National highways and railway tracks were blocked by the protesters. [61]
On 16 June 2022, violence was reported at Chhapra, Jehanabad, Munger and Nawada in Bihar. [62] Army aspirants burnt down trains and buses. They set fire to train bogies in Kaimur and Chhapra districts, blocking train traffic in Siwan, Ara, Jehanabad, Nawada, Saharsha, Chhapra, and road traffic in some places. [63] Later the protests along with violent incidents were reported in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana and other states. [62] More than 200 trains were affected by the protests, 35 trains have been cancelled and 13 trains were terminated short of their destination. [28]
On 17 June, protesters attacked the house of the Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, Renu Devi. [64] [65] The mobs of young protesters went on a rampage and set fire to trains and other property after which Bihar government ordered internet shutdowns in 18 districts. More than 325 people were arrested in Bihar and 250 in Uttar Pradesh. [66] 12 trains were set on fire, and the movement of 300 trains were affected. 214 trains were cancelled, 11 trains were diverted and 90 were terminated short of their destination. [40] At least 1 person was killed in the protests. [67]
A 19 year old protester was shot dead in Telangana. [68] Internet was shut down in 12 districts of Bihar. [69] In the BJP-ruled Haryana massive protest occurred in which the angry protesters threw stones at vehicles in Ballabhgarh, squatted on railway tracks to stop train movement in Jind and burnt tyres in Rohtak. In Uttar Pradesh hundreds of angry young protesters carried bamboo sticks and stones and stormed railway premises in several cities, blocked highways and targeted private vehicles. [66]
On 18 June, protesters in Bihar called for a strike against the scheme. They clashed with the police and set fire to several vehicles since morning in Bihar. [66] Train services were stopped in Bihar till 8 pm on 18 June. They will be stopped again from 4 am onwards on 19 June. More than 350 trains were cancelled across India as the violence continued in several states. [70]
Chief Minister of Rajasthan Ashok Gehlot leading the State Council of Ministers passed a unanimous resolution calling for the withdrawal of the scheme. [71] In Kerala a large protest march was held in Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode, against the scheme. [70] The protesters said their strikes would continue till the Centre rolls back its decision and ensured justice. [66]
Among the states, the worst incidents of violence occurred in Bihar, where the protesters set trains on fire, vandalised railway stations, and attacked BJP leaders' offices, homes, and cars. Two BJP MPs and eight BJP legislators (including two Deputy Chief Ministers) were given the third-highest level 'Y' Category security by the central government after approval by Narendra Modi. [72]
Student organization like Students' Federation of India (SFI) organised took massive rallies and protests in several parts of country against the alleged anti youth scheme. There were protests in Delhi, UP, Haryana, Rajasthan and other parts of the country. SFI along with Democratic Youth Federation of India have called for a protests at Jantar mantar on 19 June. [73] [74]
On 19 June, Virendra Kumar, Chief Public relations officer, East Central Railway, told media that estimates of the damage to property are still being made, but approximately upwards of Rs 700 crore property has been damaged. He also said that five trains, 60 coaches and 11 engines have been burnt, railway is preparing a full report for the damage caused to property. [75] In Karnataka, Police lathi-charged Agnipath protesters in Karnataka's Dharwad. Anti-'Agnipath' protests were also reported from other parts of Karnataka, such as Gokak and Belgaum districts. [76] Patna District magistrate said 23 FIRs were registered and 147 arrests were made. He alleged the involvement of 3 coaching centres in the protests. [77] Ludhiana Police termed the protests "planned conspiracy" as the Ludhiana Railway station was vandalised.
Congress leader Kanhaiya Kumar called the new military recruitment scheme, "a scam" but added that the protests against it should be peaceful. [78]
On 20 June, a country wide strike named Bharat Bandh was called by the protesting organisations demanding a roll back of the scheme. The call was made on social media without naming any organisation. [39] More than 600 trains were cancelled due to the strike. The Delhi- Gurgaon Expressway saw heavy traffic jams following a call for Bharat Bandh against the recruitment scheme. In Faridabad and Noida, prohibitory orders had been imposed that prohibit the assembly of four or more persons. Massive jams was seen on the expressway near the Sarhaul border as Delhi Police checked vehicles. Internet services were shut down in more than 20 districts of Bihar [79] [80]
In Jharkhand, all schools were closed and heavy security was deployment in state on calls for a bandh. [81] In Karnataka, holiday was announced for 75 educational institutions on the wake Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the state. Some attributed it to security concerns due to the ongoing protests and calls for a bandh. [82] [83] Section 144 was imposed in some parts of the state of Rajasthan, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. [84] [85] In Jammu and Kashmir, Aam Aadmi Party leader Mehraj Malik put under house arrest. [86] Government of Bihar suspended Internet in 20 districts amid protests. Meanwhile, it enhanced the securities of BJP offices in 11 districts. The Bihar Police deployed Sashastra Seema Bal personnel at the offices of BJP to prevent any untoward incidents. [87]
21 June onwards several protest marches were held in multiple cities. Samyukt Kisan Morcha has supported the protests and planned protest meetings between 7–14 August. [88] [89] [90] [91] [92]
3 pleas were filed in the Supreme Court of India in June by Advocates M. L. Sharma, Vishal Tiwari and Harsh Ajay Singh against the Agnipath scheme. [107] Sharma alleged that the government has quashed the century-old selection process for the Armed forces which is contrary to the constitutional provisions and without having parliamentary approval.
A plea, filed in the apex court by Advocate M. L. Sharma, has sought to quash the 14 June notification/press note claiming it to be illegal and unconstitutional. [108] [109] M. L. Sharma alleged that on 14 June 2022, contrary to the constitutional provisions and without having approval in parliament and without any gazette notification, the Centre tinkered with the century-old Army selection process and imposed the scheme for recruitment in all three Armed forces divisions. [108] The plea also referred to the protest all over the country against the scheme. [108] The plea has also sought directions to the Centre and Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Bihar, Haryana, and Rajasthan governments to submit a status report on the violent protests. [108] It has sought a direction to set up an expert committee under the chairmanship of a retired apex court judge to examine the scheme and its impact on national security and Army. [108] [110]
On 6 July, a fresh plea was filed in the Supreme Court by ex-servicemen Ravindra Singh Shekhawat. He has sought quashing of notification issued by the Ministry of Defence, contending it as illegal, unconstitutional, and ultra vires to the rights guaranteed under the Constitution. He said, "The recently launched scheme has received skepticism nationwide from the armed forces aspirants and has left several questions unanswered. Some of the concerns are related to the aspirants who were in the middle/final stages of their recruitment process.This abrupt change in the recruitment process has evoked several unforeseeable circumstances for the aspirants and has put their futures at stake/in the dark. The scheme fails to accommodate the individuals who have been preparing for the armed forces for the last many years and have not been able to participate in the recruitment process due to lack of vacancies due to COVID-19," the plea said. Plea also sought direction to initiate a ' Pilot project', to study the cause and effect of the scheme, and the impact of the newly introduced training process on combat effectiveness, operational readiness, and defence preparedness. [111]
On the same day, a petition was also moved before the Delhi High Court by various candidates shortlisted as Airmen in Indian Air Force seeking issuance of enrolment list and completion of previous recruitment as per a 2019 notification, without being affected by Centre's new Agnipath recruitment scheme for armed forces. A division bench consisting of Justice Suresh Kumar Kait and Justice Saurabh Banarjee deferred the petition for two weeks in view of the pendency of a similar matter before the Supreme Court. Filed through Advocate Prashant Bhushan, the plea has been moved by 20 candidates awaiting their enrolment as Airmen in Indian Air Force in Group "X" trades (except education instructor trade) and Group "Y" trades (except automobile technician), Indian Air Force (Security), Indian Air Force (Police) and musician trades. [112]
One of the oldest and the largest training centers of Indian Army, the Nashik Road-based Artillery Centre is one of the venues approved by army for training the youths recruited as Agniveers. The first batch consisting of 5000 Agniveers will undergo 31-week rigorous training at the Artiliery Centre, of which first 10 weeks will be for basic military training, whereas the balance 21 weeks will be for advanced training programmes. The Agniveers will be divided in to four disciplines- drivers, gunners, radio operators and technical assistants, on the basis of their aptitude and skill. [113]
The state of the 'Art Agniveer Training Facility located at Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry(JAKLI) Regiment Center, Dhansal of Udhampur district was visited by General Officer Commanding-in- Chief (GOC-in-C) Northern Command, to review the preparedness and arrangement for the first batch. [114]
Indian Armed Forces will recruit 46,000 Agniveers in 2023 including 40,000 in the Indian Army. [115] The remaining 3,000 Agniveers each will be inducted into Indian Navy and Indian Air Force. [116] About 19,000 personnel below officer rank (PBOR) recruited as Agniveers of the Indian Army started training at nearly 40 centres across India from January 2023, while second batch 21,000 Agniveers will start training in March 2023. [117] 25% of Agniveers will be retained by the Indian Army at the end of a four-year tour of duty (ToD) to serve out their full tenure of 17 more years, while the remaining will be relieved. [118]
As of May 2024, two batches of 40,000 have completed training under the Army and 20,000 more are being trained since November 2023. Further, three batches of 7,385 Agniveer Navy and two batches of 4,955 Agniveer Vayu (Air Force) have completed training. [24] [25]
On 1 June 2024, another batch of 2,614 Agniveer Vayu (Air Force) trainees completed their training from Airmen Training School. [119] In June 2024, third batch of 2,500 Agniveers (914 from Madras Regimental Centre, 560 from Maratha Light Infantry Regimental Centre, 624 from Punjab Regimental Centre, 402 from Ladakh Scouts) completed their 31-week training and joined the Army. [120] [121] [122] [123]
On 1 January 2023, a 31-week systemised training for first batch of 2,264 personnel below officer rank (PBOR) recruited as Agniveers commenced at the Golconda Artillery Centre in Hyderabad. [124] [125] The training for second batch of about 3,000 start on 3 March 2023. [126]
In January 2023, the training for the first batch of 2,640 Agniveers started in Nashik Road-based Artillery centre. [127] [128] The training for the second batch will start in March 2023. These Agniveers will get the opportunity to serve as Gunners (Topchi), Technical Assistants, Radio Operators and Motor Drivers in Indian Army. [129]
In January 2023, the training for 796 Agniveers started in Ranikhet, regimental headquarters of the Kumaon Regiment, at the Somnath Sharma Parade ground. [130]
Army recruitment procedure of Agniveers is set to change.Army has decided to conduct online Common Entrance Exam (CEE) before the physical recruitment. Approximately 200 centers across the country have been identified for the conduct of first online CEE. Online applications for registration will be available for one month from mid February 2023 for the exam scheduled in April 2023. The amended recruitment process aims at cognitive aspect and reduction of large crowds during recruitment rallies resulting in better management and easier conduct. [131]