V K Bahuguna
Govt can offer 50 per cent posts in technical wings for a few years directly, increase DA, gratuity and insurance cover
The government's recently announced Agnipath scheme for recruitment of youth in the three wings of military—the Army, the Air Force and the Navy—has been met with violent agitation in many parts of the country.
The scheme, ‘a tour of duty,' usually is a period spent by soldiers in combat or in a hostile environment. This scheme precisely provides this opportunity to the patriotic and motivated youth to serve the defence forces. Many countries allow their youthsto serve for a few years in the Army which brings a feeling of patriotic fervour among them. It also creates reserve combatants at the time of emergency.
In India, the government allows a 10-year service, with an option of a four-year extension, as commissioned officers through the short-service commission. Previously—during 1948, 1962 and 1965—officers were recruited under the Emergency Commission to meet the shortage.
The Agnipath scheme is a similar scheme for the non-officer cadre with the difference that it would be the only way to enter three Indian defence forces. If implemented properly based on merit and transparency, it will be one of the most forward-looking revolutionary steps taken by the government post-Independence for the modernisation of the defence forces.
The scheme will make the Indian military younger: the average age of soldiers, which is 32 years now, will be reduced to 26 year in due course. This will also reduce other expenditures which can be diverted to modernise and make them technologically equipped to fight modern wars, while promoting youngsters to join armed forces for a short period.
The question is: why has the scheme become politicised? Youths have taken to the streets, with many indulging in violence and arson. There are institutions and forums to express dissent but of late hooliganism and road blockages have become the norm. Most of the time, such stirs are taken over by external as well as internal anti-national forces. Such protests cause immense hardship for the people.
The government to a certain extent must share the blame. Howsoever good a scheme may be, it must be introduced after wide consultations with the stakeholders. Especially after the experience of farmers' agitation, one would have thought that the government would learn this lesson; for good laws had to be rolled back by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
For the Agnipath scheme the Ministry of Defence should have invited public comments and then announced it rather than the government now saying 10 per cent vacancies in Central police organisations will be reserved for Agniveers and also increased the upper age to 23.
A few anti-social elements backed by frustrated leaders are waiting to cash in on such opportunities, as they know they can force a rollback and the police cannot take strong action even if they indulge in arson and violence.
As a student of resource management, this writer would like to suggest the Prime Minister and the Defence Minister that the concept of Agnipath is definitely a revolutionary one which needs to be introduced in a gradual manner. We must also be aware about our socio-economic conditions.
Further, there is the possibility of the militarisation of youth. Some thought should go to a difficult question: what will happen if the energies of the youth, with four years of military training, are not channelised carefully after their return from the Army.
The government should continue to fill up at least 50 per cent posts in technical wings for a few years directly on a regular basis till the efficacy of Agnipath is ensured. Second, there is no provision for Gorkhas of Nepal who are a very vital part of the Indian Army and a shining example of Indo-Nepal ties.
Third, the caste, religion and region-wise constitutions of regiments must not be abandoned as it has been a big motivational factor. Fourth, it should be possible to have a provision of four years' extension for the Agniveers without any pension liability. Fifth, the government must suitably enhance its monthly contribution, allow dearness allowance and give a gratuity of 10 lakh in addition to what has been promised.
Sixth, the insurance cover of Rs 44 lakh for a young Agniveer is on a lower side. It should be at least Rs 1 crore.
Last but not the least, the verbal and executive instructions are pooh-poohed by political leaders and bureaucracy. Therefore, some percentage of posts in police and other uniformed services, both under the Central as well as in states and also in private sector should be reserved for eligible Agniveers by an Act of Parliament. If these suggestions are considered, the scheme may well change the future of Indian defence forces as well as the mindset of our youth.
After all, change is a must and it is inevitable.
The writer is Chairman, Centre for Resource Management and Environment
