Major decision by Central Government for Agniveers, two-year increase in tenure

The Narendra Modi-led Central Government has taken a significant and major decision for Agniveers recruited under the Agnipath Scheme. The Union Cabinet has approved a two-year increase in the tenure of Agniveers. With this decision, Agniveers will now get the opportunity to serve in the armed forces for an additional two years after the initial four-year tenure. This additional two-year period will be known as ‘Second Duty Tour’ or ‘Second Engagement Period’.

Official information regarding this decision was provided by Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General N.S. Raja Subramani in Delhi. He stated that the implementation and results of the Agnipath Scheme were being continuously evaluated by the armed forces. Considering organizational efficiency and operational requirements, the armed forces had recommended this additional tenure to the government, which the Cabinet has accepted. The main objective of this new arrangement is to provide Agniveers with the opportunity to serve in the army for a longer period.

As per the current provisions of the Agnipath Scheme, recruitment of Agniveers is done for a period of four years. After completion of four years, 25 per cent of Agniveers are inducted into the regular army based on their eligibility and merit. The remaining 75 per cent Agniveers are given a Seva Nidhi package after retirement from service. Now, under the new arrangement, the 75 per cent Agniveers who do not initially get a place in the regular cadre will have the option to continue service for an additional two years instead of being released immediately from service. During this additional period, they will also receive higher remuneration and a better Seva Nidhi package.

CDS General N.S. Raja Subramani further clarified that after completing this two-year additional tenure, the path will remain open for all aspiring Agniveers to join the army as regular soldiers. However, for this, they will have to pass a prescribed selection process. In this process, their performance and objective selection criteria will be taken into account. Thus, this decision prepares a direct path for Agniveers for permanent joining in the army. As the first batch of 46,000 Agniveers are set to complete their military training in the coming weeks and months, this decision is like a great relief and opportunity for them.

As part of this scheme, the Central Government and the armed forces are continuously reviewing the Agnipath Scheme. Additionally, other departments of the Central Government and state police forces are also showing commitment to giving priority to retired Agniveers in recruitment. This decision will provide Agniveers with experience working in the army for a longer time and an opportunity to make their careers stronger.

The Agnipath Scheme was launched on June 14, 2022. The objective of this scheme was to make the army more modern and youthful by recruiting youth in the armed forces. The youth recruited under this scheme are known as Agniveers. Since the beginning of the scheme, necessary improvements and changes have been made by the government from time to time, so that a balance can be maintained between the needs of the military and the future of the youth. This new arrangement is considered a major step taken in that direction.