Line of Duty Compensation for Agniveer

Context       

When an Agniveer died while performing their duties at the Siachen glacier, there was controversy over who should get pensions and compensation for the Agniveer's family.

What Compensation is Promised After the Demise of an Agniveer?

1. Seva Nidhi: A non-contributory insurance amount of Rs 48 lakh, compensation of Rs 44 lakh, and 30% of Seva Nidhi, which the Agniveer donated together with a government matching contribution, are among the several forms of compensation that are available to the family of an Agniveer. Additionally, interest accrues on these amounts.
2. Armed Forces Battle Casualty Fund: Along with a payment of over Rs 13 lakh for the remaining time from the date of death, the family also receives a contribution of Rs 8 lakh from the Armed Forces Battle Casualty Fund.
3. Army Wives Welfare Association: The Army Wives Welfare Association offers Rs 30,000 to the next of kin as immediate financial assistance.

What is the Agnipath Scheme?

1. About:

• It enables determined and patriotic youths to join the armed forces for a four-year term. The army will be permitted to recruit youths for a short period of time.
• Most of the 45,000 to 50,000 soldiers who will be recruited under the new scheme will leave the service in just four years.

2. Eligibility Criteria:

• It is only for personnel below officer ranks (those who do not join the forces as commissioned officers).
• The highest-ranking officers in the army are commissioned officers.
• In the Indian armed forces, commissioned officers hold an exclusive rank. They are formally tasked with protecting the nation and frequently hold a commission under the president's sovereign authority.
• Applicants may apply if they are between the ages of 17.5 and 21.

3. Objectives:

• It aims to give determined and patriotic young people with "Josh" and "Jazba" an opportunity to join in the armed forces.
• It is anticipated to bring down the average age profile of the Indian Armed Forces by about 4 to 5 years.
• According to the scheme, the average age in the forces is 32 years today, which will go down to 26 in six to seven years.

4. Benefits for Agniveers:

• The Agniveers will receive a one-time "Seva Nidhi" gift worth Rs 11.71 lakhs upon the completion of their 4-year service commitment, which will also include their accrued interest.
• They will also receive a four-year, Rs. 48 lakh life insurance policy.
• In the event of a death, the compensation will exceed one crore rupees and cover the unexpired portion of the tenure.
• After four years, the government would assist in the rehabilitation of troops who leave the army.

Concerns Related to Agniveers

1. Difficult to Find Another Job:

• About 45,000 people are expected to join the Army, Navy, and Air Force as a result of the 'Agnipath' project in its inaugural year.
• These recruits will, however, be on a four-year temporary contract. Upon the fulfilment of their contract, 25% of them will be retained, while the remaining will exit the armed forces.

2. No Pension Benefit:

• When their four-year term comes to an end, those engaged under the 'Agnipath' initiative will receive a lump sum payment of slightly more than Rs 11 lakh.
• They do not, however, get any pension benefits. Most people find that getting a second job is necessary to sustain their family and themselves.

3. Training May Remain Unutilized:

• The armed forces will lose experienced soldiers.
• To enable them to assist in continuing operations, the jawans enlisting in the Army, Navy, and Air Force will receive technological training.
• Under this scheme, women have not yet been inducted.

Way Forward

1. To encourage more Agniveers to invest in starting a business unit, the government might consider about relaxing the mandatory licensing requirements for them.
2. It will have the dual benefits of fostering economic growth and opening doors for entrepreneurs.
3. Agniveers should receive competitive interest rates on their deposits as this will encourage saves and help banks.
4. A loosening of the entrance requirements (cut off points, etc.) will be a big draw for those Agniveers who choose to pursue further education.
5. Highly skilled and well-behaved Agniveers will be able to seize every opportunity that presents itself.

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