The three service chiefs will reveal details of a much-debated short-term recruitment policy called ‘Agnipath’ at a press conference around noon today, officials said.
According to a report on Tuesday, soldiers recruited under the new recruitment model will be inducted in the armed forces as ‘Agniveers’, a new distinct rank, as opposed to sepoys who joined the Indian Army under the legacy recruitment model.
The ‘Agnives’ will be a distinct rank within the three services, as well as wearing their own distinctive insignia.
After a two-year recruitment freeze caused by the Covid-19 restrictions, the army will restart its recruitment process after the announcement.
Under the ‘Agnipath’ model, personnel below officer rank (PBOR) would be hired in the army, air force and navy for four years, including six months of training, officials said.
In military circles, the proposed model has been the subject of a heated debate, with several veterans questioning the idea and arguing that disadvantages may outweigh benefits.
Soldiers recruited under ‘Agnipath’ will be released from service after four years, though the new system allows for around 25% of them to be retained after a second screening. It is likely that they will receive a severance package of over *11 lakh, but they will not be entitled to pensions. Those retained will serve in the armed forces for another 15 years and be eligible for pensions.
Recruits under ‘Agnipath’ will earn between *30,000 and *40,000 per month, officials said, adding that they will receive a non-contributory insurance cover of *48 lakh as well. They will also receive an ‘Agniveer skill certificate’ that will help them find jobs after they leave service, officials said.