New Delhi: The Union Cabinet has approved an additional two-year engagement period for 75 per cent of Agniveers completing their initial four-year service, creating an extended pathway for their possible absorption as regular soldiers in the Defence Forces.
Under the revised arrangement, 25 per cent of Agniveers will continue to be offered regular employment on the basis of merit, as originally envisaged under the Agnipath scheme. The remaining 75 per cent, subject to their willingness, will be offered another two-year engagement period.
After completing the additional two years, these Agniveers will also be offered enrolment as regular soldiers, subject to their willingness and fulfilment of the prescribed selection criteria.
The decision follows an assessment of the performance of Agniveers over the past four years. According to the government, feedback from the Defence Forces has highlighted their physical fitness, motivation, discipline, technical skills and adaptability.
The additional engagement period has been approved on the recommendations of the Defence Forces, with the stated objective of balancing the career aspirations of Agniveers with organisational requirements and operational efficiency.
The government said the second engagement period would carry higher remuneration, an enhanced Seva Nidhi package and seniority benefits.
Reviewing the achievements of the Agnipath scheme, the government cited a wider geographical spread of recruitment across districts, a more standardised and transparent selection process, improved physical fitness and morale, and enhanced technical skills and educational exposure among recruits.
The scheme has also opened up various branches of the Defence Forces to women.
The Cabinet has decided to continue the Agnipath scheme, with the revised engagement arrangement intended to provide additional opportunities for Agniveers to pursue a regular career in the armed forces.
