On the Challenges with the Agnipath Scheme – It is the conditioning of the Agniveer that merits attention

Source: This post on the Challenges with the Agnipath Scheme has been created based on the article “It is the conditioning of the Agniveer that merits attention” published in “The Hindu” on 23^rd February 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 Internal Security – Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate.

News: The article discusses the challenges with the Agnipath Scheme. It also highlights steps that should be undertaken to combat these challenges.

A detailed article on the Agnipath Scheme can be read here.

Background:

The Agnipath scheme was announced on June 14, 2022. The initial batch of Agniveers have already been inducted in armed forces units after completion of their recruit training.

What is the Agnipath Scheme?

The scheme runs on a short-service manpower model, where 75% of the recruited soldiers will leave the service in 4 years. However, 25% of them will be allowed to continue.

The initial feedback on Agniveers from the units in terms of motivation levels, intelligence, physical standards is mostly positive. However, several challenges remain.

What are the challenges with the Agnipath Scheme?

1) Lack of Focus on Psychological Motivation: The basis for soldier discipline, and his motivation and psychology as a team player is related to his/her individual conscience and character. This character builds up unit camaraderie which gives a soldier strength on the battlefield.

2) Technical Capabilities not Enough: Technology-based measures, in terms of weapon platforms and systems, can always be confronted with technology-based counter-measures (as seen in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict). The fact that the Agniveers possess a better technical threshold will be futile unless there is camaraderie and unit cohesion.

3) Competition between Agniveers: Due to the question of retention versus rejection, the Agniveers would try to outdo each other. This can go contrary to the goal of developing unit cohesion.

What should be the way forward?

1) Psychological Assimilation: The unit commanders will have to focus on the psychological assimilation of the Agniveers into the unit fabric and ensure that they are moulded into becoming effective team players.

2) Focus on the Human Element: The facets of the human element in the Agniveers need to be addressed by those assigned the responsibility of training and assessing them. Value-based nurturing, based on unit ethos, needs to be included.

3) Psychological Testing of Recruits: A test of ‘psychology’ can be introduced as part of the recruitment process, in line with the methodology used in the selection of officers in the military. This will help the unit commander manage the human resources available and facilitate the better grooming and assessment of Agniveers.

Question for practice:

What are the challenges with the Agnipath Scheme? What steps should be taken to tackle these challenges?