On Tuesday, the Union Cabinet approved Agnipath, a new recruitment scheme for Indian youth serving in the armed forces. The scheme will allow youth to serve in the armed forces for four years.

The government’s statement on the new recruitment scheme said it was aimed at revitalising the armed forces. By implementing this scheme, the average age of the Indian Armed Forces is expected to drop by about 4-5 years.

The scheme is a major defence policy reform introduced by the government to usher in a new era of human resources policy across the three services. The policy will take effect immediately, after which registrations for the three services will be governed.

Agniveers (names of selected youth under the scheme) will receive an attractive monthly bespoke package and risk and hardship allowance for three services. At the end of the four-year employment period, Agniveers will receive a one-time “Seva Nidhi” package consisting of their contributions (including accrued interest) and a government-provided package equal to their accrued contributions (including interest) in the number of planned contributions). pay. The expected amount is between Rs 11-12 lakh and it is tax-free. The monthly salary will be in the range of Rs 30,000 with an annual increase of 10%.

Agniveers will receive non-contributory life insurance of Rs 48 lakh while serving in the Indian Armed Forces.

During this time of service to the country, Agniveers will be imparted a variety of military skills and experience, discipline, physical fitness, leadership qualities, courage and patriotism. During this four-year term, Agniveers will be integrated into civil society and they can make a huge contribution to the nation-building process, the government statement said.

The new recruitment will form a unique rank in the armed forces, unlike any other existing rank. After completing four years of service, Agniveers will have the opportunity to apply for permanent enlistment by organizational requirements and policies promulgated by the Armed Forces from time to time. A maximum of 25% of each batch of Agniveers is incorporated into the regular cadre of the armed forces.

Individuals selected as full officers of the Armed Forces will be required to serve a minimum of 15 years and be registered with the Indian Navy and Indian Air Force and their equivalents by the terms and conditions of service of the current junior officer/another rank of the Indian Army between troops and non-combatants, revised from time to time.

The scheme will foster more young and skilled combat troops by ensuring a good balance between young and experienced personnel in the armed forces, the statement said.