Centre gives green light to two-year extension in Agniveers' tenure
The central government has announced the option for 75 percent of Agniveers completing four years under the Agnipath scheme to serve for two additional years.
In a major amendment to the Agnipath recruitment scheme, the central government has decided to extend the tenure of Agniveers by another two years. The Union Cabinet has passed a proposal to grant an additional two-year service period to those 75 percent personnel whose four-year tenure is set to conclude this December.
Addressing a press conference alongside Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Chief of Defence Staff General NS Raja Subramani stated that the decision has been taken based on the recommendations of the three armed forces. This move will immediately benefit over 18,300 personnel of the first batch completing their four-year term by December.
According to existing rules, the provision to regularize 25 percent of personnel from each batch as regular soldiers on the basis of merit will continue. The remaining 75 percent Agniveers will be given the option to serve for two more years. General Subramani clarified that even after the completion of six years, willing Agniveers will be given the opportunity to join permanent service subject to specified criteria and physical fitness.
The CDS stated that during the review of the four-year performance of Agniveers, their technical expertise, weapon-handling capability, and discipline were found to be exemplary. Nearly 30 percent of the personnel are deployed at border fronts, and during the four-day conflict with Pakistan in Operation Sindoor, they displayed the same bravery as regular soldiers.
Personnel serving the additional two years will also receive the benefits of increased salary and the Seva Nidhi package. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh termed this a 'second tour of duty', stating that it will make the country's military even younger and better prepared for future challenges.
Meanwhile, the opposition has criticized the government's decision. Congress leader Pawan Khera alleged that the government made a U-turn due to Rahul Gandhi's continuous protests. Samajwadi Party MP Shiv Pal Singh Patel demanded that instead of extending the tenure, the youth should be given direct permanent recruitment of 25 to 30 years.
Key developments
- 75 percent of Agniveers will get an additional two-year tenure after completing four years
- Over 18,300 personnel from the first batch will get direct benefit
- Rule to regularize 25 percent personnel as regular soldiers based on merit remains intact
- Opportunity to get permanent on fulfilling selection conditions even after completing six years
