1 Lakh Agniveers Integrated into Indian Army Under Agnipath Scheme, Says Lt Gen Ponnappa

The Adjutant General of the Indian Army, Lieutenant General Channira Bansi Ponnappa shared an important update on the Agnipath scheme on Sunday. Initiated in June 2022, the Agnipath Scheme has so far trained approximately 1 lakh Agniveers. The first batch was recruited and enrolled between December 2022 and January 2023, including around 200 women.

Ponnappa highlighted the effective deployment of these Agniveers. Approximately 70,000 have been dispatched to various units and are performing admirably. "They are completely integrated and assimilated into the units," he said, emphasizing their role in operational and professional duties. 

Concerns from Veterans on Training and Morale 

Recently, some army veterans expressed concerns regarding the Agnipath scheme. They fear that the current four-year service period might not provide sufficient training. Additionally, there are worries about the potential impact on morale due to having two categories of jawans: regular and short-term recruits. 

Under the scheme, recruits serve for four years, after which 25% are retained, while 75% transition to civilian life. To mitigate these concerns, the government has announced a 10% reservation for Agniveers in central paramilitary forces. However, a section of veterans, including former Navy Chief Admiral Arun Prakash, believe the scheme needs adjustments. 

However, Lieutenant General Ponnappa emphasized that Agniveers are fully integrated into their units. "They wear the same uniform and perform the same duty," he said. The scheme aims to rejuvenate the Indian Army by recruiting young individuals for short-term service. 

The Agnipath scheme has sparked a debate on the optimal length of military service. Balancing training needs with operational effectiveness is crucial. Monitoring the performance and integration of Agniveers will be key to addressing any challenges and ensuring the scheme's long-term success.