Agnipath scheme will stop radicalisation of youth in Kashmir and bring them into the national mainstream

By: Tahir

@the_news_21

Srinagar: The Agnipath scheme if implemented with minor changes in Kashmir will prove helpful in bringing the radicalised youth of Kashmir into the national mainstream. The youth of Kashmir want opportunities and a helping hand to showcase what they are capable of. The newly introduced Agnipath scheme is what should have been implemented long before.

About the future of youth of Kashmir all the conscious individuals of the country are worried including the government of India.

Efforts are put in place to get the Kashmiri youth back into the mainstream and work for their development. A lot has been done to minimise the difficulties of the youth of Kashmir and to give them a helping hand. Though people of Kashmir are not poor but due to the unemployment people having vested interests are leaving no stone unturned to lure the young generation towards destruction and negativity.

The cause of destruction of the valley which we experience from the last more than three decades is due the efforts of neighbouring country which took advantage of the helplessness, unemployment and lack of other opportunities available to the young generation. But it gives immense pleasure while narrating the new stories full with positivity emerging from every corner of Kashmir. Youth of Kashmir from urban and far-flung border areas of the valley are showing their skills in different fields.

The youth of Kashmir want opportunities and a helping hand to showcase their worth. The newly introduced Agnipath scheme is what should have been implemented long before. But it is better late than never.

We have seen in the past that in army’ recruitment drives in the valley youngsters in thousands attend to try their luck. The number of the participants in these recruitment rallies surprised all and this rush itself speaks volumes about the enthusiasm of the valley youth to be part of the Indian Army.

Agnipath scheme will surely fulfil dreams of the youth and this scheme will surely give diverse benefits to the nation. Agnipath if implemented with a little change in Kashmir will prove helpful to mainstream the radicalised youth of Kashmir and it will bring the youths closer to the nation. Kashmir is a much deserving region of the country where this scheme needs to be executed with certain additions and changes.

On the other hand, Indian Army tasks in Kashmir will become more earlier if it infuses Kashmir’s young blood in it. The society of Kashmir will come closer to the nation more specifically to the Indian army which has a big role to play to protect Kashmir from the enemies. As has rightly been said by Union Defence Minister

Rajnath Singh. “The ‘Agnipath’ scheme approved by the CCS chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a truly transformative reform which will enhance the combat potential of the Armed Forces, with younger profile and technologically adept soldiers.”

The youth of any country is a great asset as they are the future of the country and represent it at every level. The role of youth in nation-building is more important than the rest. The youth will take the country on the pathway of success if guided properly and given opportunities to serve the nation. Youth are the building blocks of a country and need special attention. The youth of Kashmir are aware of their power and the role they have to play in nation-building and hopefully they will follow the Agnipath to make Kashmir a better place to live.

Eligibility criteria for Agnipath scheme:

All three services will be enrolled through a centralized online system, with specific rallies and campus interviews conducted by recognised technical colleges such as Industrial Training Institutes and the National Skills Qualifications Framework, among others. Enrolment will be on a ‘All India All Class’s basis, with eligible ages ranging from 17.5 to 21 years old. Agniveers will meet the medical requirements for enlistment in the armed forces as they apply to their particular categories/trades. Agniveers’ educational qualifications will continue to be popular for enrolment in many categories, such as: The educational requirement for becoming a General Duty (GD) soldier is Class 10.

Girls under the given age limit are open for the Agnipath entry, while there is no such reservation for women under this scheme.

Salary package under this scheme:

According to available data the 1st year salary package of Rs 4.76 lakh with upgradation of up to Rs 6.92 lakh in 4th year While post release, Seva Nidhi package is of approx. Rs 11.71 lakh, including interest (tax free) There’s also a non-contributory insurance cover of Rs 48 lakh. Provided the individuals receive a Agniveer skill certificate which will assist in post release job opportunities.

The first Agnipath entry rally recruitment will start from September – October.

Terms of service under Agnipath:

After four years of service, 25% of the Agniveers will be retained in the regular cadre based on merit, willingness and medical fitness. They will then serve for a full term of another 15 years. While the other 75% Agniveers will be demobilised, with an exit or “Seva Nidhi ” package of Rs 11-12 lakh, partly funded by their monthly contributions, as well as skill certificates and bank loans for help in their second careers.

Advantages:

It provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the youth to serve their country and contribute to national development. The Armed Forces would be younger and more vibrant. The Agniveers will have a good financial package with the opportunity to train in the best military ethos in civil society and institutions, as well as improve their skills and qualifications. This will make well-disciplined and skilled youth with military ethos in the civil society.

Write can be reached at: tahirkashmir@gmail.com