Govt grants two-year extension to Agniveers

• The Union Cabinet approved a major overhaul of the Agnipath scheme on November 4.

• Agniveers set to exit the military at the end of their four-year tenure will be given an additional two-year extension and subsequent permanent recruitment subject to meeting specific eligibility criteria.

• The changes in the scheme were brought in just over three weeks before around 18,300 Agniveers were to exit the armed forces by December 31 after completing their four-year tenure.

• The decision was announced by Chief of Defence Staff Gen N.S. Raja Subramani.

What is Agnipath scheme?

• In June 2022, the government unveiled the Agnipath scheme for the recruitment of soldiers in the Army, the Navy and the Air Force, largely on a short-term contractual basis.

• Those recruited under the scheme will be known as ‘Agniveers’. After the completion of the four-year tenure, 25 per cent of the recruits from each batch will be offered regular service.

• Under the scheme, applicants between the ages of 17-and-a-half and 21 years will be recruited into the three services, on a four-year short-term contractual basis.

• The upper age limit for the scheme was increased to 23 years as a one-time relaxation specifically for the 2022 recruitment cycle

• The recruitment is based on an “all India, all class” basis that is set to change the composition of several regiments that recruit youths from specific regions.

• After completion of the four-year tenure of the recruits, the scheme provides for retaining 25 per cent of each specific batch for regular service, based on organisational requirements and policies promulgated by the armed forces from time to time.

• Women are also inducted into the Armed Forces under it.

• The scheme aims to bring a paradigm shift in recruitment in the armed forces.

• At present, over 300,000 soldiers recruited under the Agnipath scheme are operating in the military.

Key revisions to the Agnipath scheme:

• As per existing provisions, 25 per cent of Agniveers are enrolled into the regular forces based on merit, while the remaining 75 per cent exit.

• Further, for the remaining 75 per cent Agniveers, on the recommendations of the Indian defence forces, another engagement period of two years has been approved by the Cabinet. After completion of this two-year engagement period, all Agniveers will be offered enrollment as regular soldiers subject to their willingness and their meeting selection criteria.

• The second engagement period will have higher remuneration, enhanced Seva Nidhi package and seniority benefits.

• During the second tour of duty, they will receive a fixed salary of Rs 43,500 in the first year and Rs 47,500 in the second year, along with applicable allowances.