The flawed rationale behind Agnipath

The global experience suggests a possible ideological basis for such schemes

The Agnipath scheme has sparked off such vehement protests because it is obviously unsatisfactory for aspirants to defence services. It can be dressed up anyway the government chooses, but the idea sends a clear signal of extreme financial weakness.

The inductees would serve four years. About a quarter would be retained and regularised to serve out normal 20-year terms. The rest would be demobilised with a one-time severance package of Rs 11-12 lakhs.

The annual per capita expenditure on serving defence personnel is about the same as the severance package. Pensions, healthcare and other benefits for soldiers who serve out a full