An Appraisal
Attractiveness of any job is judged by its Applicant to Post Ratio (APR). It indicates the number of candidates aspiring for a given post. Under Indian Army Agniveer Recruitment Notification 2024, a total of 25,000 vacancies have been released. In response, over 12.8 lakh applications have been received – an impressive APR of 51.2. It implies that over 50 aspirants are vying for each post. Incidentally, it is 10 percent more than 11.3 lakh applications received in 2023. It shows that the popularity of Agnipath scheme is growing and the misplaced apprehensions peddled by the cynics are abating. The Air Force seems to be doing even better. It has received 7.5 lakh applications for 3,000 vacancies – a whopping APR of 250. In every recruitment, a number of vacancies are reserved under Unit Headquarter Quota (UHQ). These vacancies are meant for the sons of war widows, soldiers’ widows, serving soldiers and ex-servicemen, and brothers of serving personnel. Even UHQ has been getting over-subscribed. It goes to prove that Agnipath scheme is considered attractive even by the servicemen who are fully conversant with all aspect of service life/career. When the first batch of Agniveers was under training at the Bombay Sappers Centre, I carried out informal interaction with the training officers and instructors to learn about their physical fitness, academic qualifications, enthusiasm, resoluteness and urge to excel. They were full of praise for the whole batch. According to them, all the Agniveers were highly motivated and demonstrated a distinct urge to do well in the Army. Despite the fact that they had to undergo rigorous training in a short period, there were no complaints or drop-outs. Most Agniveers are highly educated – even graduates and post-graduates. They are fast learners and quick on the uptake. During my recent visits to Kashmir (21-28 March 24) and Ladakh (29 Apr-07 May 24), I had an opportunity to interact with a large number of stakeholders to get first hand feedback on Agniveers. They were deployed in all arms and services in the high-altitude area. Every single officer (including Commanding Officers), JCO and NCO spoke high of their level of motivation and drive. In fact, most JCOs felt that there was no difference between the fighting prowess of a regular and an Agniveer. 4 Many purists have been voicing their apprehensions about the likely adverse effect of the scheme on the morale, ethos and regimental spirit. I made it a point to question the officers and JCOs on this issue. Not one had a negative statement to make. For that matter, most were effusive in their admiration of the way the Agniveers had got assimilated in their units in such a short time and become valued assets. In short, Agnipath scheme has had no adverse impact of any nature on the combat effectiveness of the units. On the contrary, due to their youthful profile, Agniveers are much sought after. During casual interaction, all Agniveers appeared confident and gave convincing reasons for joining the scheme. All said that they had come of their own free will as they find the scheme highly rewarding. Many have already made up their mind to serve only for four years and thereafter embark on new ventures with a kitty of Rs 11 lakhs. All were very clear in their thinking and future plans. There was no confusion in their minds whatsoever. Here are some interesting responses – “Agniveer will be a badge of honour and I want to earn it.” “For me, it will be a four-year adventure expedition and I am looking forward to it.” “I am a post-graduate. With Seva Nidhi, I will take coaching for two years and thereafter appear for the civil services examination. Agniveer will make me a better aspirant.” “I am a science graduate and want to start my own business of electronic switches. I do not have the capital. Seva Nidhi will provide the finance.” “I want to be a regular soldier. If I fail to make the grade, I will do a professional course under the government’s scheme to acquire suitable skills for another career.” “This scheme gives us an option to quit after four years, if we so desire.” When asked about the uncertainty of future career. The common response was, “If officers can come for five years, why this fear for us! In any case, no one is forcing us to join as Agniveers.”
Conclusion
As is apparent from the above discussion, Agnipath scheme is a resounding success, compulsive fault-finders notwithstanding. As the acceptance of the scheme gains further ground, the Army will attract more talent. The Army is highly upbeat about it. Units are getting younger, spirited, better educated and tech-savvy soldiers who are putting in their best to secure a slot in 25 percent permanent absorption. As the final selection will be merit and performance based, the Army will get the cream as its permanent cadre. The society and the country will benefit when Agniveers return after completing their tenure. They will contribute to nation building in myriad fields with their nationalist fervour and disciplined work-culture. Skills acquired by them during their army tenure will trigger muti-faceted development. They are going to prove to be an invaluable national asset. Agniveers will form a distinct segment of the society. The society will look up to them with respect. In fact, they will be the role-models for other young men, inspiring them to join the scheme. 5 For Agniveers, enormous employment opportunities will open up. They will be much sought after, both by the public and the private sector enterprises, who will consider it a matter of pride and honour to have Agniveers on their rolls. Opposition to Agnipath scheme was always expected from those quarters that are inimical to reforms and whose sole agenda is to oppose and impede progress. Their opposition to the scheme lacks judicious, rational and insightful reasoning. It is apparently based on some outlandishly preposterous misconceptions. One critic has gone to the extent of faulting the no-marriage condition. He feels that it is unfair to the youngsters who prefer to get married at the age of 20. How ridiculous can the opposition get! In the recent past, it has been seen that some anti-national elements have been spreading the canard that Agnipath scheme is meant for the poor, backward classes and minorities; while regular recruitment is for the privileged. Nothing can be farther from the truth. For, there is no regular recruitment now. The only way to join the Army is through Agnipath and it is open to all Indians without any consideration of caste, region and religion. Apparently, efforts are being made to sow seeds of dissentions through such disinformation. Finally, true test of national leadership is not routine governance but ability to take bold and radical decisions to improve the system. Requirement of inventive policy initiatives and concrete action plans can never be fulfilled by the status-quoists. The government deserves credit for the long overdue reforms in the recruitment policy.
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