Army shows how Agniveers go through rigorous training (WATCH)

Indian Army took to social media platform X to dispel doubts about the training modules that Agniveers selected through the Agnipath scheme need to undertake. 

In the post, the Army said: "Discover the rigorous journey of transformation into a brave and skilled soldier. From demanding obstacle courses to combat training, witness the dedication and resilience of Agniveers to join the elite force of #IndianArmy and serve the nation with honour."

The video comes days after Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's remarks in Parliament where she reiterated the Narendra Modi government's commitment to the Agniveer scheme. She stated that it aims to maintain the battle readiness and youthfulness of the armed forces. 

While opposition parties, including the Congress, have called for the scheme's abolition, Sitharaman highlighted its importance in ensuring national security. She drew parallels with countries like the US and UK, where soldiers serve shorter terms to maintain a youthful and agile force.

She stressed that the Agniveer scheme, introduced with a strong commitment, aims to recruit individuals aged 17-21, resulting in a significantly younger force. Sitharaman assured that the scheme has been implemented in consultation with the armed forces and will not cause any distortions.

The Agnipath scheme, announced on June 14, 2022, provides for the recruitment of youths between the age bracket of 17-and-half years and 21 for only four years, with a provision to retain 25 per cent of them for 15 more years. The government extended the upper age limit to 23 years later that year.

According to defence officials, in the event of an Agniveer's death during active military service, their next of kin will be entitled to receive a comprehensive compensation package exceeding Rs 1 crore. 

This package includes an insurance coverage of Rs 48 lakh, for which the premium is borne by the government and not deducted from the Agniveer's salary.

In addition to the insurance coverage, the package also includes an ex-gratia payment of Rs 44 lakh, a retirement package totaling approximately Rs 11.70 lakh, and the remaining salary for the unserved period after death. 

Furthermore, an additional insurance cover ranging from Rs 50 lakh to Rs 1 crore will be provided, facilitated through Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed with banks, for which Agniveers do not have to pay any premium.