Agniveer scheme: Addressing criticisms with strategic amendments

The Center has recently amended the rules to provide a 10 percent reservation in paramilitary categories for those retiring after four years of service as Agniveer. Had such a decision been introduced at the time of the Agniveer scheme’s implementation, the government could have avoided much of the criticism leveled against this excellent initiative.

During the last general elections, the opposition alliance highlighted the Agniveer scheme to critique the central government. The army is a significant source of employment for youth from middle-class families in northern states, and any criticism related to the army—whether true or false—can create anxiety in these families.

A historical parallel can be drawn with the general election held amid allegations of commission in the purchase of Bofors guns from Sweden. The then opposition coalition used this issue extensively in states like UP, Bihar, Rajasthan, and Haryana. Although it was later confirmed that the arms deal involved commissions, the high quality of Bofors guns was demonstrated during the Kargil war. However, political campaigns often play on fears, such as telling families that their loved ones would be at risk using subpar equipment, even if such claims are unfounded.

In the recent general elections, many false campaigns were conducted against the Agniveer scheme in North Indian states, particularly the claim that the scheme would prevent anyone from securing a permanent job in the army. The BJP's setbacks in the Hindi heartland suggest that this false narrative gained some traction. Recognizing this, the decision to grant reservation to Agniveers in paramilitary units has been made.

Two main criticisms have been raised against the Agniveer project. First, there is no pension benefit apart from the Rs 11 lakh provided upon retirement after four years of service. Second, there is a misconception that if an Agniveer soldier dies, they will not receive the same compensation as regular soldiers.

The claim that Agniveer soldiers do not receive compensation if they die is false. In reality, including insurance, central government assistance, and assistance from the Central Welfare Fund, families receive around one and a half crore rupees. However, due to procedural complexities, this amount takes two to three months to be disbursed. The Union Ministry of Defense should address these procedural delays in response to the criticisms.