‘Agnipath to help patriotic youths serve in armed forces’

Thiruvananthapuram: Terming the new ‘Agnipath’ scheme introduced by the Union cabinet a unique opportunity for the youth to serve in the armed forces, the Indian Air Force has urged all youngsters to gear up to participate in the recruitment rallies to be held soon. The first intake into the forces as per the new scheme will be done within 90 days.
Speaking to media persons during a press conference here on Wednesday, Air Marshal B Saju said the scheme allows patriotic and motivated youth to serve in the armed forces for a period of four years.
Upon completing four years, 25% of them will be appointed in the regular cadre of the armed forces for another 15-year term by taking into account their performance. The youth, who will be selected through the scheme, will be known as ‘Agniveers’.
Presently, the average age of people working in the armed forces is 32 years and through the scheme it is envisaged that it will come down to 26 years.
A portion of their salary will be deposited in the ‘Seva Nidhi’ package and on completion of the engagement period of four years, Agniveers will be given the amount with interest. The ‘Seva Nidhi’ will be exempt from income tax and there shall be no entitlement to gratuity and pensionary benefits, he said.
During this period, the Agniveers will be imparted with various military skills and experience, discipline, physical fitness, leadership qualities, courage and patriotism.
Enrolment will be undertaken through an online centralized system for all three services with specialized rallies and campus interviews and the eligible age will be in range from 17.5 to 21 years.
Applicants will have to meet the medical and educational eligibility conditions laid down for enrolment in the armed forces as applicable to respective categories/trades.