New Delhi: Ahead of Diwali, the Central Government has delivered good news to Agniveers by making a significant announcement regarding a service extension scheme. According to a decision by the Union Cabinet, 25% of Agniveers will transition into regular soldiers, while the remaining 75% will receive a two-year extension.
This means the service tenure for these Agniveers has been increased from four years to six years. This was announced by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General NS Raja Subramani. He stated that those Agniveers who receive the two-year extension will subsequently be considered for permanent positions based on an evaluation of their performance. CDS Subramani added that those granted this extension will receive increased salaries and allowances.
Speaking to the media following the Union Cabinet meeting, CDS General NS Raja Subramani remarked that today is a very significant day for the Indian Armed Forces and for our ‘Agniveers.’ The Cabinet has paved the way for Agniveers to join the Indian Armed Forces. As you are aware, the ‘Agnipath’ scheme was launched on June 14, 2022. During this period, the performance of the Agniveers is continuously evaluated. It was stated that the scheme would be reviewed from time to time. The first batch of Agniveers was approaching the completion of its four-year tenure. Based on performance evaluations conducted over these four years, we have received very positive feedback regarding their work.
As you are aware, 25% of the Agniveers are to be inducted into the regular army based on merit. Previously, it was expected that the remaining 75% would return to society as disciplined and motivated young individuals. However, the Union Cabinet has approved a change to this. Under the new and revised scheme, the remaining 75% of Agniveers will now receive an additional two-year extension. Upon completion of this two-year period, those who wish to do so may be inducted into the Armed Forces, subject to a prescribed selection process. These are the four key aspects of this scheme.
This significant decision regarding the Agniveers was taken during a Union Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Notably, this move comes at a time when approximately 18,000 Agniveers were due to retire from the Armed Forces within a few weeks. Now, however, they have all been granted a two-year extension. It should be noted that in 2022, ‘Agniveers’ were recruited for a four-year term under the ‘Agnipath’ scheme.
The provisions state that only 25% of these Agniveers will be retained for regular service. A key aspect of this development is its link to the upcoming Assembly elections. Assembly elections are scheduled to be held early next year in Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. A large number of youths from these states join the armed forces and have availed themselves of the Agnipath scheme. Now, they have been granted a two-year extension.