Khordha, Odisha, August 2024 – Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi praised the progress of the Agniveer scheme during the passing out parade of the fourth batch of Agniveers at INS Chilka, Odisha, on Friday. Admiral Tripathi, who was instrumental in the scheme’s inception in 2022, highlighted its success and the positive impact it has had on the Indian Navy.
Significant Milestone for Agniveers
The ceremony at INS Chilka, the Indian Navy’s premier training establishment, marked the successful completion of 16 weeks of rigorous training for nearly 1,429 Agniveers, including approximately 300 women. This event not only celebrated their achievements but also marked the beginning of their service in the Indian Navy, embodying its core values of duty, honor, and courage.
In his address, Admiral Tripathi reflected on the scheme’s journey, stating, “I was the Chief of Personnel in 2022 when the Agnipath scheme was introduced. Now, two years later, we have just seen the fourth batch pass out on Friday from our premier training establishment, INS Chilka. The scheme is going well. We have trained more than 2,500 Agniveers in the first three batches.”
He further expressed his confidence in the Agniveers, adding, “This batch includes nearly 1,429 Agniveers, with around 300 of them being women. I have observed the Agniveers here at Chilka during the first batch, seen them on ships, and again today. I see great hope in them — they are highly motivated, enthusiastic, and I am confident they are fully integrated into the Indian Navy.”
Agnipath Scheme: Shaping the Future of India’s Defense Forces
The Agnipath scheme, launched by the Government of India in June 2022, aims to foster a youthful profile within the Indian Armed Forces by recruiting young men and women as ‘Agniveers.’ These recruits undergo comprehensive training, preparing them for the demands of modern military service.
The program offers a four-year tenure, after which approximately 25% of the Agniveers will be absorbed into the regular cadres of the Armed Forces for a minimum of 15 years. Those not retained will receive a Seva Nidhi Package of ₹11.71 lakhs, which is exempt from income tax. Additionally, the government has outlined various avenues and job opportunities for those exiting the defense forces after their tenure.
INS Chilka: A Hub of Excellence
INS Chilka has played a pivotal role in training and integrating Agniveers into the Indian Navy. The training program at Chilka includes academic instruction, outdoor training, and various aspects of naval service, all grounded in the values of duty, honor, and courage. The passing out parade (POP) of the fourth batch of Agniveers is a testament to the success of this initiative and the dedication of the young sailors.
Conclusion
As the fourth batch of Agniveers embarks on their journey with the Indian Navy, Admiral Tripathi’s words resonate with optimism for the future. The Agnipath scheme continues to make significant strides, reinforcing the Indian Navy’s commitment to being a combat-ready, credible, cohesive, and future-ready force.
The Agniveers, now fully integrated into the Indian Navy, are poised to contribute to the nation’s security and uphold the proud legacy of India’s maritime forces.
