Agneepath scheme: As stir continues, Indian Army issues notification for Agniveer recruitments

Amid nationwide violent protests, the Indian Army issued a notification on Monday (June 20) regarding the government's Agneepath scheme. The notification is related to the first round of recruitment through the scheme. The registration for the same will start in July.

The newly-released notification basically outlines terms and conditions of service, eligibility, discharge and other crucial details of the scheme.

The Army notification read: "The registrations will be opened from July onwards by the respective Army Recruitment Offices (ARO) for Agniveer General Duty, Agniveer Technical, Agniveer Technical (aviation/ammunition examiner), Agniveer clerk/store keeper technical, Agniveer tradesman (10th pass) and Agniveer Tradesman (8th pass) as per the ARO rally schedule."

It added, "Agniveers enrolled under the scheme will not be eligible for any kind of Pension and Gratuity."

The notification further added that the service of the 'Agniveers' will commence from the date of enrolment. They would form a distinct rank in the Army, different from other existing ranks.

Those who are enrolled under this scheme will be required to undergo periodical medical checkups. Physical/written/field tests will also be there as per orders.

Protests erupted in various parts of the country after some aspirants for the armed forces are unhappy with the changes introduced under the new recruitment scheme.

Concerns were raised over the length of service, no pension provisions for those released early and the previously said 17.5 to 21-year age restriction.

The Army said based on organisational requirements and policies, 'Agniveers', on completion of their engagement period in each batch, will be offered an opportunity to apply for enrolment in the regular cadre.

"These applications will be considered in a centralised manner by the Army based on objective criteria, including performance during their engagement period and not more than 25 per cent of each specific batch of Agniveers will be enrolled in regular cadre post completion of their four-year engagement period," according to the document released by the Army.

"Agniveers so enrolled as regular cadre would be required to serve for a further engagement period of 15 years and will be governed by terms and conditions of service (of Junior Commissioned Officer/ Other Ranks) currently in vogue," it said.

The Army said the Agniveers will not have any right to be selected after completion of their four-year tenure.

According to the document. each 'Agniveer' will be required to formally accept all terms and conditions of the 'Agnipath' scheme as part of the enrolment process.

For personnel below the age of 18 years, the enrolment form will be required to be signed by the parents or guardians.

The 'Agniveers' will be eligible for 30 days leave in a year as against 90 days for those in regular service. Medical leave will be granted based on medical advice.

The Army said 30 per cent of the monthly salary of the Agniveers will be compulsorily deposited in a corpus and an equal amount will be contributed by the government.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE