AGNIPATH SCHEME: A STEP TO MODERNISE DEFENCE FORCES IN INDIA – ISSUES AND CONCERNS

A strong defence force is an imperative one for protecting the national security of a nation. In India, the emphasis of Agnipath is on maintaining a youthful and technologically sophisticated profile of the armed services while minimising the overall burden on pensions and gratuities. The Agnipath initiative was designed to reduce the strain on the defence budget while also improving the country's preparedness in the face of rising new threats. The new system is a major shift from the former recruitment policy, which required candidates to serve at least 17 years before receiving a pension. The scheme is intended to "bring about a transformational shift towards a more tech-savvy armed force" by attracting young talent who are familiar with current technological trends and enhancing the armed services' age profile. Widespread demonstrations, acts of violence, and arson have been happening around the nation since the revelation of Agnipath. The study focuses on the analysis of the pros and cons of the Agnipath scheme introduced by the NDA government.