'Women can be Recruited but No Percent Fixed', Says Navy FOC-in-Chief

By: WE Staff | Thursday, 16 June 2022

Vice Admiral Ajendra Bahadur Singh, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command, spoke to the media and discussed the recent announcement of the Agnipath plan, which allows women to join the military.

Vice Admiral Singh stated in his speech that no proportion for women's entry into the Armed Forces under the Agnipath scheme has been determined. He did, however, imply that once the plan is up and running, a fixed allotment for women would be possible. Women's entrance to the Armed Forces would solely be based on the needs of the service. He recognised that the scheme includes a provision that allows for the recruitment of women if there is a need.

The top navy official had previously praised the Agnipath initiative, calling it a "really enticing prospect for the nation's youth." For the Indian Navy, he described it as visionary and revolutionary. He had stated, citing the Kargil committee findings, that the induction of youth will boost the Armed Forces' profile.

Agnipath Scheme

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh announced the Agnipath scheme on Tuesday, which encourages young people to join the military. Six months of training and four years of service are included in the programme. In the three Armed Forces, the Army, Air Force, and Navy, troops will be recruited below the officer level (PBOR). Soldiers who are inducted using the Agnipath model will be referred to as 'Agniveers.'

They will have a high rank in the military and will be identified by a distinctive emblem on their clothing.

Agniveers will receive a monthly package suited to their specific needs, as well as 'Risk and Hardship' allowances for each of the three services. Agniveers will be paid a yearly package ranging from Rs 4.76 lakh to Rs 6.92 lakh, as well as a one-time 'Seva Nidhi' payout of Rs 11.71 lakh, when their four-year engagement period comes to an end.

Several military skills, including as experience, discipline, physical fitness, leadership abilities, courage, and patriotism, will be instilled in the Agniveers during their period of service. The successes of each Agniveer will be recognised in a certificate that will be attached to his resume.

The Department of Military Affairs praised the government's decision to implement the Agnipath project, which will allow young people to serve in the regular army.