The Agniveer scheme has stirred numerous political and emotional responses beyond its national security implications. Ironically, it was more of a political decision, implemented hastily without a pilot project, and targeted the most crucial pillar of our national defence. This happened at a time when border threats were at their peak.
The initial “Tour on Duty” label to Agniveer witnessed the influence of the anti-pension lobby, masked under the call for a younger and more tech-savvy profile. This scheme was aimed to create political appeal and address rising unemployment but it backfired, necessitating a reevaluation under pressure. Apart from domestic unrest, it also created geopolitical friction with neighbouring Nepal.
The current format of the Agniveer scheme involves a four-year term of service, with training truncated to 10 weeks to six months. At the end of this term, 25% will be retained as regular soldiers, and 75% will be relieved from duty. The salary starts at Rs 30,000 in the first year, increasing to Rs 40,000 by the fourth year. There is no pension, but there is an IT-exempt severance package of Rs 11.71 lakhs, non-contributory life insurance of Rs 48 lakhs, and an ex-gratia payment of Rs 44 lakhs. Other benefits like ECHS or CSD access and ‘ex-servicemen’ status are not included.
Apparently there are variations to compensation as compared to regular soldiers in case of the death of an individual during duty. For subsequent employment of the 75% weeded out, the government has made provisions for a 10% reservation for Agniveers in CAPFs, Assam Rifles, Coast Guard, defence civilian posts, and 16 DPSUs. Agniveers who have passed the 10th grade will be given 12th grade certificates and 60 credits (50%) towards graduation from IGNOU.
The primary motivations for the scheme were to achieve a younger age profile and the unsaid long-term savings on defence pensions. However, both objectives seem flawed. The current age profile, energised by regimental ethos (Naam, Namak aur Nishan), has brought glory to the nation in Siachen, Kargil, counterterrorism operations, and Galwan. Thus meeting the operational requirement of present age with experience and added motivation.
Comparisons to the ‘Tour of Duty’ soldiers of the West are misplaced due to different operational environments, ethos and societal contexts. It is established that soldiers with temporary employment may not perform at par with those who consider the uniform their lifelong commitment. Temporary employment makes it a job.
Soldiering is not a job but a way of life, requiring a full commitment of body, mind, and soul based on the unique ethos of being apolitical, secular, and selflessly serving the nation. These get engrained over a longer period with a sense of belonging to the organisation one has chosen to serve for a lifetime. It becomes a home and the members a family.
Regarding pensions, most soldiers retire early, starting from the age of 36 due to the pyramid structure of the military and the nature of military requirements. Thus, India has 2.4 defence pensioners for every serving soldier, while the ratio for civilians is approximately one pensioner for each serving employee. It is also noteworthy that the average per capita pension of defence personnel is lower than that of a Central Government civil employee.
These facts remain hidden and unspoken. Some countries have placed Defence Pensions under a separate head. It needs to be examined in detail. The defence budget is not a populistic head but an insurance for the nation to prosper and grow in global stature. In the troika of Defence, Development and Diplomacy, the latter two cannot grow unless the defence of the country is secure.
The Agniveer scheme needs to be evaluated from a national security perspective, not through the lens of petty politics or narrow outlooks. It does not require a group of secretaries from ten ministries but should involve the views of the three Chiefs of Staff, who are accountable in war, with the Defence Secretary, Finance Secretary, and Home Secretary as invitees.
Comparisons of Agniveer to the ‘Tour of Duty’ soldiers of the West are misplaced due to different operational environments, ethos and societal contexts
It would be better to replace flashy names like Agniveer with Short Service Entry (SSE) similar to that for SSC officers. Fancy political names do not suit the professional ethos of the defence forces. The changes should be progressive and test-bedded with retaining 50% old entry of Permanent Service Entry (PSE) and a balanced pilot project of 50% SSE. Increase the SSE service term to 5-7 years, excluding training of 12-18 months.
Compensation for SSE soldiers killed in action should be the same as for PSE soldiers. Upon termination of service, 50% of SSE soldiers should be relieved and laterally absorbed 100% by PMF/CPO/Police at requisite levels. This can be fine-tuned to align with the vacancies in PMF/CPO/Police arising each year. It would be a win-win situation for all, including Gorkhas from Nepal, who can also find their place in the PSE. If these meet opposition or seem unfavourable, then scrap the scheme and have a larger debate on the necessity and modalities.
It is time that issues of national security, especially those concerning the Defence Forces, are based on the ethos of ‘Nation Above All’ and not politics or financial short-sightedness above all. While reforms are indeed required with the changing dynamics of warfare and operational environment, they must be well deliberated with those impacted most, foundational on attaining better combat edge, and test-bedded progressively.
The views of the professional commanding officers who are the pillars of the armed forces in war and peace should be dispassionately considered and respected. George S. Patton wisely said, “If everyone is thinking alike, then somebody isn’t thinking”.
Thus, course corrections must be viewed positively, not as a loss of face or political euphoria. The government in power will do good to the nation be being sensitive and empowering the national defence. A lot has been done but a lot still needs to be revisited and course corrections done. Meanwhile, the armed forces will continue to serve the nation with dedication, and pride, and never let it down.
Jai Hind.
–The author a PVSM, AVSM, VSM has had an illustrious career spanning nearly four decades. A distinguished Armoured Corps officer, he has served in various prestigious staff and command appointments including Commander Independent Armoured Brigade, ADG PP, GOC Armoured Division and GOC Strike 1. The officer retired as DG Mechanised Forces in December 2017 during which he was the architect to initiate process for reintroduction of Light Tank and Chairman on the study on C5ISR for Indian Army. Subsequently he was Consultant MoD/OFB from 2018 to 2020. He is also a reputed defence analyst, a motivational speaker and prolific writer on matters of military, defence technology and national security.The views expressed are personal and do not necessarily carry the views of Raksha Anirveda
