New Delhi: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved an additional two-year engagement period for 75% of Agniveers under the Agnipath scheme, creating a further pathway for their enrolment as regular soldiers in the Defence Forces.
The decision follows an assessment of the performance of Agniveers during the four years of implementation of the scheme. The evaluation highlighted their skills, motivation, physical fitness and technological capabilities, while also considering organisational requirements and operational efficiency.
Under the existing arrangement, 25% of Agniveers will continue to be offered regular employment in the Defence Forces on the basis of merit, according to an official statement.
The remaining 75% will now have the option of another two-year engagement period, as approved by the Cabinet on the recommendations of the Indian Defence Forces.
Following the completion of the additional engagement period, all Agniveers will be offered enrolment as regular soldiers, provided they are willing to continue and meet the prescribed selection criteria.
The decision to introduce the second engagement period was taken after a detailed assessment and feedback exercise, with the objective of balancing the career aspirations of Agniveers with the operational requirements and efficiency of the Defence Forces.
Agnipath scheme records several achievements
The government said the four-year implementation of the Agnipath scheme had produced several positive outcomes, based on feedback received from the Defence Forces.
These include a wider geographical spread of Agniveer recruitment across districts, a more standardised and transparent selection process, and high levels of physical fitness, morale, motivation, competitive spirit and discipline among recruits.
The assessment also highlighted improvements in skills, technological adaptability and education during service. The scheme has additionally opened recruitment opportunities in various branches of the Defence Forces for women.
In view of these outcomes, the government has decided to continue the Agnipath scheme with the revised engagement arrangement.
The second engagement period will come with higher remuneration, an enhanced Seva Nidhi package and seniority benefits.
With the additional two-year engagement followed by an opportunity for regular enrolment, the Cabinet has sought to establish a pathway for Agniveers to pursue longer-term careers in the Defence Forces, subject to their willingness and fulfilment of the prescribed selection requirements.
