Line of Duty Compensation for Agniveer | 24 Oct 2023

Source: TH

Why in News?

Recently, an Agniveer passed away on duty at the Siachen glacier, which sparked a controversy regarding the entitlement of pensions and Compensation for the families of Agniveers.

• In 2022, the government unveiled the Agnipath Scheme for recruiting soldiers (Agniveers) across the Three services (Army, Navy and Airforce).

What Compensation is Promised After the Demise of an Agniveer?

• Seva Nidhi:
  • An Agniveer's family is entitled to several forms of compensation, including a non-contributory insurance sum of Rs 48 lakh, Rs 44 lakh as compensation, and 30% of Seva Nidhi contributed by the Agniveer, with an equal matching contribution by the government.
  • Additionally, interest accrues on these amounts.
• Armed Forces Battle Casualty Fund:
  • The family also receives pay for the remaining tenure from the date of death, amounting to over Rs 13 lakh, as well as a contribution of Rs 8 lakh from the Armed Forces Battle Casualty Fund.
• Army Wives Welfare Association:
  • To provide immediate financial assistance, the Army Wives Welfare Association offers Rs 30,000 to the next of kin.

What is the Agnipath Scheme?

• About:
  • It allows patriotic and motivated youth to serve in the Armed Forces for a period of four years. Youth will be able to be recruited into the army for a short duration.
  • Under the new scheme, around 45,000 to 50,000 soldiers will be recruited annually, and most will leave the service in just four years.
• Eligibility Criteria:
  • It is only for personnel below officer ranks (those who do not join the forces as commissioned officers).
    • Commissioned officers are the army's highest ranked officers.
    • Commissioned officers hold an exclusive rank in the Indian armed forces. They often hold a commission under the president's sovereign power and are officially instructed to protect the country.
  • Aspirants between the ages of 17.5 years and 21 years will be eligible to apply.
• Objectives:
  • It aims at providing an opportunity to the patriotic and motivated youth with the ‘Josh’ and ‘Jazba’ to join the Armed Forces.
  • It is expected to bring down the average age profile of the Indian Armed Forces by about 4 to 5 years.
  • The scheme envisions that the average age in the forces is 32 years today, which will go down to 26 in six to seven years.
• Benefits for Agniveers:
  • Upon the completion of the 4-years of service, a one-time ‘Seva Nidhi’ package of Rs 11.71 lakhs will be paid to the Agniveers that will include their accrued interest thereon.
  • They will also get a Rs 48 lakh life insurance cover for the four years.
  • In case of death, the payout will be over Rs 1 crore, including pay for the unserved tenure.
  • The government will help rehabilitate soldiers who leave the services after four years.

What are the Concerns Related to Agniveers?

• Difficult to Find Another Job:
  • The 'Agnipath' initiative paves the path for the enlistment of approximately 45,000 personnel into the Army, Navy, and Air Force in its inaugural year.
  • However, these recruits will serve on a temporary four-year contract. Upon the fulfillment of their contract, 25% of them will be retained, while the remaining will exit the armed forces.
• No Pension Benefit:
  • Those hired under the 'Agnipath' scheme will be given a one-time lump sum of a little more than Rs 11 lakh when they end their four-year tenure.
  • However, they do not receive any pension benefits. For most, seeking a second job is essential to support themselves and their families.
• Training May Remain Unutilized:
  • Forces will lose experienced soldiers.
  • The jawans joining the Army, Navy and Air Force will be given technical training so that they are able to support the ongoing operations.
  • Women are yet to be inducted under this scheme.

Way Forward

• Government should consider relaxation in mandatory licensing regulations for Agniveers to attract more of them to invest in starting up a business unit.
• It will act as a double benefit move of providing entrepreneurial opportunity and growth in the economy.
• Attractive interest rates on deposits for Agniveers would stimulate savings and benefit banks.
• For those Agniveers who want to pursue higher education, a relaxation in the admission criteria (relaxation in cut off etc) will prove to be a major attraction.
• Highly qualified and disciplined Agniveers will have the ability to take up ample opportunities available to them.