New Delhi: The Air Force on Sunday released detailed information about this scheme, amid protests in many states of the country regarding the ‘Agneepath Scheme’ for short-term recruitment of forces. Introduced a new Human Resource Management Plan for the Armed Forces and said that the candidates recruited into the force would be governed by the Air Force Act, 1950. It said that the request of ‘Agniveer’ to relieve himself before the completion of the period of service would not be entertained and would be allowed only in exceptional cases and would be done only after the approval of the competent authority.
In the 29-point note of the Air Force, various information has been provided about the new scheme including eligibility criteria, remuneration package, medical and CSD (Canteen Store Department) facilities, compensation for disability, calculation of disability limit, leave and training. It said that nomination papers for personnel below the age of 18 years will have to be signed by the parents or guardians as per the extant provisions. The government on Thursday night raised the upper age limit for recruitment under the ‘Agneepath’ scheme from 21 to 23 years for the year 2022 in an effort to pacify the protesters.
Launching the scheme, it had said on Tuesday that youth in the age group of seventeen-and-a-half years to 21 years would be inducted for a four-year term, while 25 per cent of them would be inducted into regular service later. The youth to be recruited under the new scheme will be called ‘Agniveer’. One of the main objectives of this scheme is to reduce the average age of military personnel and to cut the rising salary and pension bill. The Air Force said, “After a period of four years, all Agniveers will return to the society. However, based on the organizational requirements and policies announced by the Air Force, exiting Agniveers will be given an opportunity to apply for enrollment in the regular cadre of the Air Force.
“A certificate will be issued for the skills acquired by each Agniveer, which will form part of his/her resume,” it said. These applications will be considered in a transparent manner by a centralized board and a maximum of 25 per cent of the specific batch strength of the original Agniveers in the Air Force will be inducted on the basis of performance. shall have no right and their selection shall be the prerogative of the Government. The IAF said that only those Agniveers will be retained in regular service, who complete the earlier four-year term.
It said that under the scheme, Agniveers can be assigned any responsibility in the organizational interest and they will be entitled to respect and rewards as per the extant guidelines. He said that Agniveer would put a distinctive logo on his uniform during the working period. The IAF said the leave would be allowed as per the requirements of the organisation. He said each Agniveer would be granted 30 days annual leave, while sick leave would be subject to “medical advice”. It said that Agniveers would be given a separate rank in the Indian Air Force, which would be different from any other existing rank. Agniveers will have to accept all the terms and conditions of the new scheme.
