Agnipath Scheme Was Launched After Extensive Internal Deliberations-Defense Minister

The Indian government informed the parliamentary advisory committee on defense that the Agnipath scheme was created after extensive internal deliberations. Expert reports from the past recommended a rapid lowering in soldiers' age profiles. The briefing was led by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh. He shared details about the benefits offered to Agniveers and welfare measures that have been incorporated to ensure their employment after service.
Sources claimed that during the presentations, it was noted that even expert committees, such as the Kargil report, had recommended that soldiers' average age be decreased.

Although measures were taken to reduce the age profile for commanding officers, as recommended by the Kargil report, no steps have been taken to ensure that the soldiers who make up the bulk of the fighting force are younger than 32 years. This is in accordance with the recommendations made by the Karagil review and the Arun Sing committee reports.

Sources said that members of the parliamentary panel were briefed about the main points of the scheme before the monsoon session. This was to clarify any doubts and to explain the background to reforms. After making his presentations, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described it as a 'good' meeting. The members were also told that the scheme had received record numbers of applications through the online registration process for Indian Air Force candidates. The meeting was attended by the defense ministry officials, the defense secretary, and the three service chiefs.

Agneepath Scheme is a recruitment scheme in the Indian Armed Forces wherein selected candidates will be enrolled as Agniveers for a period of four years. This scheme is a recruitment process for individuals below the rank of officer, to deploy fitter, younger troops on the front lines, eventually enhancing the youthful profile of the Armed Forces.