Air Chief Marshal VR Choudhary on Sunday said that the Agneepath plan is in line with the long-term vision of the Indian Air Force. He made it clear that the new recruitment system will not reduce the operational capability of the IAF in any way. The Air Chief said that over a period of four years, 13 teams will handle the enrollment, employment, evaluation and training of ‘Agniveers’. He said that any reduction in pension and other expenses due to the implementation of the scheme is merely incidental and should not be treated as a reason for implementing the reforms.

Air Chief Marshal Choudhary said, “The Agneepath scheme takes forward the Indian Air Force’s mission of better exploitation of manpower. It complements the IAF’s long-term vision of being a small and lethal force with the best human resource, as we strongly believe that the men and women in any force in times of need prove its mettle.”

750,000 applications for 3,000 Air Force posts 

Under the new recruitment scheme, around 750,000 applicants have registered for about 3,000 Indian Air Force posts. Under the Agneepath scheme announced on June 14, there is a provision to recruit youth in the age group of 17-and-a-half to 21 years in the armed forces for only four years, of whom 25 per cent will be retained for 15 more years. The upper age limit for recruitment has been increased to 23 years for the year 2022.

Violent protests against the Agneepath scheme took place in many parts of India last month. The protesters demanded the withdrawal of the scheme, saying the new recruitment system does not guarantee jobs to 75 per cent of ‘agniveers’. Air Chief Marshal Choudhary said, “With the ever-changing and evolving technology, there has also been a qualitative change in the basic skills required of an air warrior. We feel that today’s youth not only possess different and essential skills, but also in terms of technology. I am also very skilled.”

“Steps taken on the recommendations of the Kargil Review Committee”

He claimed that the synergy between the organizational needs and the aspirations of the youth would provide ideal conditions for the IAF to become a highly effective force. The Air Chief said, “With a restructured training system that is contemporary, technology-based and tailored specifically to our operational commitments, we envisage seamless implementation of the scheme. Transformation of human resource in the Armed Forces The need has been discussed extensively and necessary steps have been taken to gradually focus on the recommendations of the Kargil Review Committee.

The Air Force Chief said, “The process of selection is on. We have formed 13 teams for seamless enrollment, role, placement, evaluation and training of Agniveers over a four-year recruitment period. Change in human resource is our operation in any form. It does not affect the capability. However, it will provide the Armed Forces with the advantage of attracting talent and engaging with the youth who aspire to serve the nation.”

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