Cabinet Opens Path For All Agniveers to Join Armed Forces After 2-Year Extension

The centre has brought a major change in the Agnipath scheme, creating a pathway for Agniveers to be absorbed into armed forces. During Cabinet briefing on Wednesday, Chief of Defence Staff General N S Raja Subramani said that the first 4-year batch of Agniveers will be completed soon.

On the basis of merit, 25% of Agniveers will be offered regular employment in the Defence Forces. The remaining 75% Agniveers, on the recommendations of the Indian Defence Forces, another engagement period of 2 years has been has been approved by the Cabinet. Following the completion of this two-year engagement period, all Agniveers will be offered enrollment as regular soldiers. This will be subject to their willingness and meeting selection criteria, the Ministry of Defence said in a release on Wednesday.

“The introduction of another engagement period of two years for the willing 75% Agniveers has been done after deliberate, reasoned and elaborate evaluation and feedback with the fundamental aim of aligning the aspirations of Agniveers and organisational efficiency,” the Ministry said.

Also Read | Layoffs Are Rising In Tech, But These Skills Are Helping People Unlock Better Pay

The Defence Ministry also reflected on the achievements of Agnipath Scheme, four years after its implementation of the Agnipath Scheme. According to the Ministry, increased footprint of recruitment of Agniveers across districts of the country, with more standardised and transparent recruitment process. A very high level of physical fitness, morale, motivation, competitive spirit and discipline was observed among candidates. 

Due to these achievements, the Agnipath scheme will continue. The second engagement period will have higher remuneration, enhanced Seva Nidhi package and seniority benefits. Along with the introduction of another engagement period of two years followed by induction of all Agniveers as regular soldiers, the Cabinet has created a pathway for absorption of all Agniveers into Defence Forces, the Ministry assured.

Essential Business Intelligence,
Sharp Market Insights,
Practical Personal Finance Advice, Daily Fuel, Gold and Silver Prices and Latest Stories — On NDTV Profit.