Agnipath is a game-changing scheme: Maj Gen Vikas Saini

GUWAHATI: Agnipath is a game-changing scheme which will provide employment opportunities to the youth of the country, said Maj Gen Vikas Saini, GOC 51 Sub Area while addressing a Press Conference on the new defence recruitment policy today at Narangi Military Camp.

Addressing the media persons, he said that the scheme would give the armed forces a tech-savvy and youthful profile which is the need of the hour. The Agnipath scheme aims to bring paradigm changes in the human resource management of the Indian Army and prepare the army as a future-ready fighting force capable of meeting multiple challenges across the whole spectrum of conflicts. He hopes that more and more youth from the Northeast will take advantage of the scheme and will join the armed forces. He also urged the media personnel to spread awareness about the Agnipath Scheme so that the information must reach the grassroots level.

Talking about the benefits of the scheme, he said that the Agniveer will be given an attractive customized monthly package. On completion of the engagement period of four years, Agniveers will be paid one time 'Seva Nidhi' package of approximately Rs 11.71 lakh which shall comprise their contribution including accrued interest thereon and matching contribution from the Government equal to the accumulated amount of their contribution including interest and the

'Seva Nidhi' will be exempt from Income Tax.

Under the AGNIPATH scheme, the Agniveers will be enrolled in the Forces under respective Service Acts for four years. Upon the completion of four years of service, based on organizational requirements and policies promulgated by the Armed Forces from time to time, Agniveers will be offered an opportunity to apply for permanent enrolment in the Armed Forces. These applications will be considered in a centralised manner based on objective criteria including performance during their four-year engagement period and up to 25% of each specific batch of Agniveers will be enrolled in the regular cadre of the Armed Forces, a press release said.

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