Good news for Agniveers: Government extends tenure by two years

NEW DELHI: The Union Cabinet on Wednesday announced a two-year extension of the engagement period for Agniveers enrolled in the Army under the 'Agnipath' scheme.During a press conference, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General NS Raja Subramani said that the 75 percent of the first batch of Agniveers who were earlier set to exit after four years will now be offered an option to apply for enrolment in the armed forces. Their enrolment will be subject to selection criteria."Today is a very significant day for the Indian Defence Forces and for our 'Agniveers'. The Cabinet has created a pathway for all Agniveers to be absorbed into the Indian Army. As you are aware, the 'Agnipath' scheme was introduced on June 14, 2022. At that time, it was stated that there would be continuous performance evaluation of the Agniveers and that the scheme would be reviewed periodically. The first batch of Agniveers is now nearing the completion of their four-year tenure. Based on the performance evaluations conducted over these four years, we have received very positive feedback regarding their performance. As you know, 25% of the Agniveers are to be enrolled into the regular forces based on merit," the CDS said."Previously, the provision was for 75% of the Agniveers to transition back into society as disciplined and motivated youth. However, under this updated scheme, the remaining 75% of Agniveers will now be offered an additional engagement period of two years," he added."Upon completion of this two-year period, all those who are willing will be enrolled into the armed forces, subject to objective selection criteria. These are the four major aspects of this scheme. After the two years, they will be given an option to get absorbed, subject to their willingness and an objective selection process," he further said.Defence minister Rajnath Singh thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said that the decision is continuation of long-term structural reforms of the defence forces."Taking a significant decision today, the Union Cabinet chaired by PM Shri Narendra Modi has approved a two-year ‘Second Tour of Duty’ for Agniveers under Agnipath. I sincerely thank PM Modi for taking the decision of additional 2-year ‘Second Tour of Duty’ for Agniveers under the Agnipath scheme. This would also provide enrollment of all willing Agniveers as regular soldiers after the tenure of 4/6 years, who meet the selection criteria," Rajnath Singh said in a social media post on X."This decision is continuation of long-term structural reforms of our defence forces, aimed at creating a younger, fitter, technologically equipped and future-ready military. It is not merely a recruitment policy; it is a way forward to prepare India's military for the changing character of warfare," he added.The Agnipath scheme was introduced by the Union Cabinet in 2022 to recruit Agniveers into the armed forces under the respective Service Acts for a period of four years.The decision comes amid criticism of the shorter engagement period, which prompted several states, including Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Maharashtra, to provide reservations for Agniveers in police and other services.The scheme was introduced to provide young people with an opportunity to serve the country and contribute to nation-building, while making the armed forces' profile youthful and dynamic.