Agnipath Scheme: Some unanswered questions

Pension Problem
Image Courtesy: indiaobservers.com

It is unfortunate that the Agnipath Scheme protests by youth turned violent. After trying to put things in order, now the government stands firm on rolling out the Agnipath Scheme. But, how will this scheme influence our forces? Let’s take a look at eight loopholes or unanswered questions.

First of all, there was a problem that needed solution. Pensions form more than 50% of defence budget. At the same time, economy is also not doing that well. After Galwan clash, defence budget was hiked. But the point is how to solve the problem? Is Agnipath the right solution? How will Agniveers be re-employed? After widespread protest, some measures pertaining to crucial elements missed earlier,have been notified.

However, there still remain eightelements that need to be pondered upon. Let’s discuss them briefly.

There is a social angle to the ongoing protest. Children of bureaucrats and politicians don’t join the army. It is usually the children of poor farmers who do. One can say it is out of patriotism, they work so hard day and night. They struggle diligently to chase that dream. Security and respect are another part of the job in the armed forces. They realise the importance of the uniform. But, now the government is saying that this job may only be as long as four years, and competition is even morethan before. It’d be disheartening for a soldier to be relived from duty after that time.
Secondly, even if there is no problem of lost respect, what about further opportunity? What about the remainder highly trained 75% Agniveer? Government plans to recruit them in CAPF. Whereas home ministry has maintained for years that terms and type of service in CAPF is different from that in Army. So, the two forces are of different backgrounds in training and administration. Will this solve the problem time will tell. Right now, the government is trying to portray that the opportunities are limitless, even if 75% of the recruits are relieved of duty. Another thing: entry into corporate sector possible, as Anand Mahindra suggested? I did not quite understand – does he believe Agniveer will provide technical, administrative and management solutions? No need for an MBA or BTech degree for anyone? Anand Mahindra was asked: Has his esteemed Group been able to give jobs to thousands of highly retired ex-servicemen so far? His reply is still awaited.
Fact is, highly trained ex-servicemen (with experience of 30-35 yrs) do not get job in the market that easily. Survey by Dept of Defence & National Security Studies, Punjab University revealed that 80-90 ex-servicemen of Gurdaspur found sainik board job. 1,500-1,600 applied. Are there enough jobs for thousands of Agniveers? The narrative is being built that there will be. What would highly trained educated and unemployed do? Will it be law and order issue?
Four years is not a long time. By the time they are ready, their tenure will be over. Only 25% will continue in the army. It is a drain of energy and money.Did the makers of the scheme not realize that? Army veterans say it takes at least eight years to properly handle complex machinery. It will take much effort and funds to train the youth.Army has limited budget. In beginning of last decade this was 2.8% of GDP and 2.1% of GDP just before pandemic. After Galwan this was increased again.
Moving on to pension. It has been pointed out that pensions form large part of defence budget. The scheme will lessen burden of pension.As far as expenditure is concerned, what of Group-A services and civilian defence employees?Their description is of defence force but they don’t wear uniform and get faster promotion and 45% pension goes to civilian defence employees.Never heard of pension issues with bureaucracy and political class.
As there was no pilot project the scheme is being implemented much too quickly. No parliamentary committee was set up to examine it, the scheme was announced directly.Is this Raw Wisdom at work? Just read what Major General G.D. Bakshi has spoken on the scheme. Government tried to clarify that this scheme is small part. Normal recruitment will also go on. But that is not so, this scheme will be sole medium of recruitment.The decision is like demonetisation and GST, done in haste. Its future is uncertain so tweaks are required.What changes will be needed in Agniveer scheme? Like contractual teachers and hospital staff demand permanent jobs, they might also.Agitation that we saw in last few days may again happen.
How much money will be saved? There is no answer yet. The scheme will streamline budget. No studies related to that out.No doubt pension payment is a big part of budget but Agnipath scheme will help?Rajnath Singh is saying, savings is not their viewpoint, and theyready to put more money. Then why was this scheme announced?If pensions are to be reduced, reduce those of MPs and MLAs.

Why only 4 years? It is a short tenure, training will take at least half that time.The aspirants will be under lot of physical and mental pressure. How much will armed forces benefit it is yet to be seen.Military experts suggest extending 4 year period to make it more worthwhile for everyone.CDS Bipin Rawat wanted longer tenure for generals. And it is possible too to serve longer. We are being told that this scheme will make army young.

Battlefield is ever changing. Lastly, important point, all India all class regiment. What about old regiments like Gorkha Regiment?This has been a long tradition. Military personnel say that this regiment system is vital. It strengthens the army immensely.NSA Ajit Doval assured that regiment system won’t end. Ultimately it must be addressed concretely as more Agniveers are recruited.

Conclusion

Every scheme has some pros and cons, but the government is implementing this scheme very hastily. There is a need to stop and look back again before implementing this scheme.

Some solutions include Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) to reduce army size, not forceful exit. If they wish to do other job or business, they should also get package.Technological dependence will gradually increase, size should be limited. Secondly, the scheme should be made dynamic. It should be flexible for our soldiers.Gradual retirement will work by establishing a proficient recruitment board. Many claim they will hire Agniveer, but it should be ensured by system.

Therefore, there are so many ways to improve. Consultation and taking everyone in perspective is important. Right now, it is being imposed, like GST, and declared masterstroke. But this scheme should be reconsidered before implementation and it should come as pilot project first to ascertain its impact.

*Views expressed are the authors’ own. The authors are students of ICFAI University Dehradun.