New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): In a significant change to the Agnipath recruitment programme, the Central Government has announced a two-year extension for Agniveers whose initial four-year contractual service is scheduled to end in December.
The decision was announced on Wednesday by Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General NS Raja Subramani following a Union Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The move is expected to provide an extended service opportunity to thousands of Agniveers preparing to complete their current tenure.
Under the existing Agnipath framework, 25 per cent of each batch is eligible for permanent recruitment into the regular armed forces after completing four years of service. The remaining 75 per cent are generally required to leave the military at the end of their contractual period.
However, under the newly announced arrangement, Agniveers falling into the latter category and due to exit in December will be offered an additional two-year term. After completing this extended period, they will have an opportunity to seek permanent enrolment in the armed forces.
General Subramani clarified that permanent absorption would not be automatic. Candidates would have to meet the prescribed conditions, including their willingness to continue serving, physical fitness, service performance and other applicable guidelines.
More than 18,300 Agniveers are expected to complete their original four-year tenure and leave the forces by December 31. The latest decision provides this group with an opportunity to continue their military careers beyond the initial contractual period.
The CDS also highlighted the performance of Agniveers during their four years of service, describing their contribution as very good. He said the Cabinet’s decision would establish an additional route for eligible personnel to pursue permanent service in the armed forces.
The Agnipath scheme was introduced to recruit personnel into the Army, Navy and Air Force for a fixed four-year period, with a provision for retaining up to 25 per cent of each batch in regular service.
The latest announcement marks a change in the existing service arrangement for the affected batch, offering eligible Agniveers more time to demonstrate their capabilities and pursue long-term careers in the military.
