There will be no change in the army’s regimental system because of the Agneepath scheme. In the first year, the number of Agniveers to be recruited will be three percent of the total armed forces. The government gave this information on Thursday, during protests by youth in many parts of the country against the new scheme.

The government said that the aim of the scheme is to give more opportunities to young people in the armed forces. Under this scheme, about three times more soldiers will be recruited than the current number. The exact time period for this cannot be told right now. It is important to know that the government has started this scheme to recruit soldiers on a four-year contract in the Army, Air Force, and Navy.

Agneepath Yojana Army Age Limit

This is a big change in the decades-old army recruitment system. Youth between 17.5 and 21 years can join all three wings of the army. After four years of service, 25% of Agniveers will be kept in regular service. The remaining three out of four will leave the army. For them, the government offers options for education, jobs, and business.

Some people worried about regiments, like Rajput, Jat, Sikh, etc. Sources said the regimental system will not change. Regiments will get the best Agniveers, which will improve coordination in the units.

Army officials said that in the first year, Agniveers will be 3% of the total army. Their performance will be checked after four years, and the best will continue. This way, the army will get trained soldiers for senior positions.

Many countries have short service tenures. The performance of soldiers is tested, and about 25% continue in service. Over time, the army will have a 50-50 ratio of young and experienced soldiers.

Myths and Facts About Agneepath

Many misconceptions about the scheme are going around. The government has clarified these:

Myth: Agniveers’ future is insecure.
Fact: Youth can get jobs, study further, or start a business. Certificates and financial support are provided.

Myth: Opportunities will decrease.
Fact: More youth can join the army. The number of Agniveers recruited will be three times more than current enrollment.

Myth: Regimental loyalty will be affected.
Fact: The regimental system stays the same. The best Agniveers will strengthen it.

Myth: Efficiency of the army will reduce.
Fact: Short service systems exist in many countries. Performance is tested, and trained soldiers continue.

Myth: 21-year-olds are immature.
Fact: Many armies depend on youth. The ratio of young and experienced soldiers will be balanced.

Myth: Agniveers can become a danger.
Fact: Agniveers will serve the country for four years and remain dedicated. There is no evidence that former soldiers join anti-national forces.

Education and Training

The National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) will give 12th certificates to Agniveers who passed 10th before joining. Special courses will match their service area. Certificates are valid for employment and further studies.

The Ministry of Education will also start a three-year skill-based degree course for Agniveers. Skills learned in the army will help them in other jobs later.

Benefits of Agneepath

Experts say the scheme will reduce the average age of soldiers from 32 to 25 years. Young people will get opportunities to join the army permanently. The best 25% of Agniveers will stay in regular service.

The scheme also provides financial benefits, insurance, and service funds. About 1.86 lakh Agniveers will be recruited in four years. Agniveers will also get priority in police and other central forces.

Protests and Government Response

Some youth protested against the scheme in many cities. Trains and traffic were affected. Police had to control the situation in places like Agra, Aligarh, Kanpur, Jhansi, and other districts.

The opposition criticized the scheme, but the government said youth should not be misled. Agniveers will have opportunities for a bright future.

Leaders like Yogi Adityanath and Pushkar Singh Dhami called Agniveers the treasure of the nation. They said it is a golden opportunity for youth to serve the country.