No Financial Consideration Behind Agnipath

Though the protests against Agnipath have subsided, the debate continues—not only among veterans and aspirants, but also among serving personnel. The concerns are mostly about Agniveers being without jobs after serving four years. There is also a fear that the scheme may bring an end to the century-old regimental ethos that made the Indian military one of the world's finest fighting machines. However, the military leadership has welcomed the scheme. Among the chiefs, Admiral R. Hari Kumar has been the most vocal, calling it “transformational”. Excerpts from an interview:

- R. Prasannan And Midhun M. Kuriakose

Admiral R. Hari Kumar, chief of the naval staff

You called Agnipath transformational. Could you explain how it can transform the armed forces?

There are four reasons. First, the scheme will reduce the average age of our services by about four to five years. This youthful profile, in itself, is a transformative change that we have been seeking for a considerable time, especially following the Kargil Review Committee recommendations. Second, Agnipath will enhance our combat readiness and operational effectiveness by tapping into our technologically savvy youth. The infusion of a greater number of Agniveers each year will give us an edge in rapidly evolving and technologically intense conflicts. Third, this scheme will lead to an optimal mix of a youthful cadre and experience. The permanent cadre would consist of experienced personnel enrolled after four years of service. The youthful cadre, serving for four years, will form the rank and file. Fourth, with a steady stream of trained, disciplined, skilled and motivated Agniveers joining the national workforce, the scheme will play a vital role in the growth, prosperity and transformation of our nation.

The concern is about the 75 per cent who have to leave after four years. They would get preference in the paramilitary and police. But, the annual intake of these forces is not more than a few thousand personnel. Moreover, their training and operational philosophy are different from that of the armed forces.