Page 52 - NIS English 16-31 February,2023

Nation Agniveers

PM MODI'S ADDRESS TO THE FIRST BATCH OF AGNIVEERS

AGNIVEERS WILL LEAD THE NATION IN THE 21 CENTURY
ST

Joining the three wings of the Indian Army as Agniveer has become a matter of pride and
honour for the youth today. By joining the Agnipath scheme, the youth are not only realizing
their dream of serving the nation but also securing their future in the army and other fields
for the future. The first batch of Agniveers has started their training. Addressing the maiden
batch on January 16, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, Agniveer will become a game
changer in strengthening the armed forces and preparing them for the future...

rime Minister Narendra Modi in his address rifleman to the ex-Agniveers when the first batch
made it clear that the Agniveer scheme would will be available for recruitment. Relaxation in the
Pmake the armed forces more youthful and upper age limit and physical efficiency test will be
technically viable. Along with modernizing the armed given during recruitment. Many Agniveers ready
forces, efforts are being made to make them self- for service will be specifically involved in aircraft
reliant. In the 21st century, the ways of fighting wars maintenance, flight safety, air cargo, administrative
are changing. Amidst the challenges of contactless work, information technology, drones, etc., and will
warfare and cyber warfare, technologically enabled have valuable experience that will be relevant to
soldiers will play a vital role in the armed forces. the aviation industry. This is the reason why the
Especially the present generation of youth has this concerned stakeholders are being sensitized by the
potential, hence Agniveer will play a vital role in our Ministry to give priority in employment to Agniveers.
Armed Forces in times to come. IGNOU HAS PREPARED A SYLLABUS FOR
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while expressing AGNIVEERS
his eagerness to see women Agniveers in all three The Indira Gandhi National Open University has
armies, has said that the Agnipath scheme will developed courses that recognize in-service training
empower women. Women Agniveers are enhancing as credit towards a bachelor's degree for eligible
the pride of the Navy. Respect for teamwork and defence forces personnel, including Agniveers. The
leadership skills will create a new dimension in the curriculum has a provision to give up to 50% credit
personality of Agniveers. for in-service skill education or training. Successful
RESERVATION AND PRIORITY FOR AGNIVEERS completion of the requirements of the program will
After four years of military service, Agniveers lead to the award of a bachelor's degree equivalent
are expected to prove themselves fit, disciplined to any other equivalent traditional course recognized
and upbeat. It has been decided to provide a 10% by the All India Council for Technical Education and
horizontal reservation for the post of constable or the UGC.

50 New India Samachar February 16-28, 2023