Government unveils "Agnipath" recruitment scheme for armed forces

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On Tuesday, the Government unveiled the "Agnipath" scheme which aims to transform the armed forces.

Unveiling the scheme, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that it's a transformative initiative that will provide a youthful profile to the armed forces. 

He was joined by three services chiefs General Manoj Pande (Army), Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari and Admiral R Hari Kumar (Navy).

"Under Agnipath scheme, Indian youngsters will be provided an opportunity to serve in armed forces as Agniveer," Rajnath Singh said.

Agnipath is a pan India merit-based recruitment scheme for enrolling soldiers, airmen and sailors. The scheme is likely to provide an opportunity for the youth to serve in regular cadre of the armed forces.

• Agniveers will be enrolled for a service duration of four years including training period. After four years, only 25 per cent Agniveers will be retained based on merit, willingness and physical fitness. They will then serve for a full term of 15 years. 

The other 75 per cent Agniveers will be demobilised with an exit or "Seva Nidhi" package of Rs 11-12 lakh, as well as skill certificates and bank loans for help in their second career.