Implementation of Agnipath scheme won’t impression Army’s operational capabilities: Gen Pande

By PTI

NEW DELHI: Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande on Tuesday stated that the implementation of the ‘Agnipath’ scheme will on no account impression the Army’s operational capabilities and preparedness alongside the borders with China and Pakistan.

The authorities unveiled the “Agnipath” scheme for the recruitment of troopers within the Army, Navy and the Air Force on a short-term contractual foundation with an purpose to chop the ballooning wage and pensions payments and allow a youthful profile of the armed forces.

“I want to assure you that during the implementation and stabilisation of the Agnipath scheme, the Army’s operational capabilities and preparedness along the borders and the ability to deal with internal security challenges will be fully maintained,” Gen Pande stated at a press convention.

When requested whether or not rolling out of the brand new scheme would impression the Army’s fight readiness alongside the borders with China and Pakistan, he asserted that there shall be no impression on total army preparedness.

The Army chief stated he was assured that the change within the recruitment course of will carry “new vigour and confidence” within the pressure and help make it stronger and extra succesful and {that a} honest, clear and scientific technique shall be put in place for screening the preliminary consumption.

“We will institute a fair, transparent and scientific method in screening the initial intake for four years and apply similar yardsticks to select those who will get re-enrolled,” Gen Pande stated.

Describing the scheme as one of many “most significant” initiatives, Gen Pande stated it goals to make the Army a future-ready combating pressure, able to assembly a number of challenges throughout the complete spectrum of battle.

“The Agnipath scheme is a transformational reform for the Army and the nation and aims to bring paradigm changes in the human resource management of the Indian Army,” he stated.

He stated an enhanced youthful profile of the Army that’s “reduction in average age from 32 to 26 years” shall be achieved over a time period.

The Chief of Army Staff emphasised that the Army is happy with its heritage, historical past, custom, army values and tradition and they are going to be absolutely maintained. He stated the brand new recruits shall be built-in into the Army in “every way” together with deploying them in operational items in addition to varied organs of the pressure.

The Army chief stated the brand new measure enhances different ongoing initiatives to rework the Indian Army into a contemporary, expertise pushed, self-reliant and battle-worthy pressure. He stated the scheme will entice younger skills and inspire educated youth with the best ability units to hitch the Army.

“A wider recruitment base will provide equal opportunities to youth from all parts of the country, to join the Army,” he stated.

Gen Pande famous that screening and choice, based mostly on a sound, clear, honest and strong evaluation system will make sure that the Army retains the “best of the best” for an extended service period. “These personnel will form the core of the organisation,” he added.

“The Agniveer, leaving after four years, will be empowered with suitable skills and financial means and carry a unique resume, that will significantly enhance his value and employability in the civil society,” he stated.

The armed forces will recruit 46,000 ‘Agniveers’ this 12 months and the eligible age for choice shall be within the vary of 17.5 years to 21 years. The recruitment below the scheme is about to kick in inside 90 days.