Recently a fake news was spreading vias social media platforms especially WhatsApp stating that the Union government will launch the revamped version of the Agneepath Scheme in the name of Sainik Samman Scheme 2024 on June 23.
Following the demand of soldiers, opposition parties etc on scrapping Agneepath Scheme that was brought by the BJP government aimed to provide job for youths between 17.5 to 21 years. However, the scheme was backfired due to various issues like no permanent job posts, short service period, no pension provisions for those released early etc for youth. Agniveer are the new recruits under the Agnipath Scheme where 25 percent of the them would get permanent commission for 15 years while 75 percent would retire after four years of service with a one-time pension payout.
Due to this, several soldiers, opposition parties etc voiced out their demand for scrapping the scheme as it is not beneficial to the youth and revert the scheme to old system of government.
According to a Congress member, through this scheme, the centre has weakened national security as no youth wants to join the Army for only four years. He also highlighted the plight of about 1.5 lakh young men who were selected for the armed forces in a regular recruitment drive between 2019 and 2022 after passing a rigorous selection process. However, their induction could not take place as the Modi government suddenly announced the Agnipath Scheme for the armed forces.
Many of the current aspirants were rendered ineligible to serve in the Indian armed forces under these new rules.
In the recent elections, the scheme has became a setback for the BJP as they had lost lot of goodwill among certain states like Himachal, Punjab, some parts of Bihar from where especially the troops join the scheme.
Several social media users shared a document purportedly announcing the “relaunch” of Agnipath scheme in the name of Sainik Samman Scheme for the recruitment to the Indian armed forces by the newly sworn-in Modi government. It was widely circulated in WhatsApp and Twitter (X) handle.
According to the revamp scheme, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will launch a revamped version of the Agneepath Scheme – Sainik Samman Scheme 2024 on June 23 to provide better opportunities and benefits for individuals joining the Indian Defense services. The scheme aims to offer enhanced career prospects, financial security and improved service conditions for soldiers, thereby attracting more youth to join the defense services and ensure their well-being and career growth.
The key changes and benefits of this scheme are Increased Permanent Positions where it increases the percentage of soldiers who will be granted permanent positions with all the technical posts from 25 percent to 60 percent. It also extends the service period from four years to seven years thereby creating longer job security. Soldiers are guaranteed a permanent job following the completion of their service. Additionally it extends the training period from 24 weeks to 42 weeks and annual leaves from 30 days to 45 days.
Apart from that the scheme enhances financial stability by raising the total income from Rs 22 lakhs to Rs 41 lakhs and retirement fund witnessed a hike of Rs 41 lakhs. As per the death benefits, the family of the deceased soldier will receive Rs 75 lakhs and a Martyr status. The deceased soldier will be granted the status of a warrior and their families will receive full assistance and honors. The vacancies have increased from 10 percent to 15 percent. Those who are recruited under this scheme will no longer be called Agniveers.
It is only applicable to those who are recruited from February 2024 onwards and existing Agniveers recruited before this date will not be covered under the new scheme.
Type of Difference | Agnipath Scheme | Sainik Samman scheme |
Duty Period | Four years | Seven years |
Total income | 22 lakhs | 41 lakhs |
Vacancy | 2/year | 2/year |
Relaxation | 10 percent | 15 percent |
Training period | 24 weeks | 42 weeks |
After Death | 50 lakhs | 75 lakhs |
Holidays | 30 days | 45 days |
But in a flip side, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) stated on Twitter handle on June 16, “ A #fake WhatsApp message claims that the Agnipath Scheme has been re-launched as ‘Sainik Saman Scheme’ after review with several changes including duty period being extended to 7 years, 60% permanent staff & increased income. GOI has taken no such decision.”