NEW DELHI: In a major modification to the Agnipath short-service military recruitment framework, the Union Government has announced a two-year service extension for the 75% of Agniveers who were originally scheduled to exit after four years. Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General N.S. Raja Subramani confirmed that while 25% of Agniveers will be directly absorbed into the regular cadre based on merit, the remaining 75% will now get an additional two-year tenure, after which they will be offered another opportunity for regular enrolment.
“This marks a significant day for the Indian Armed Forces and our Agniveers. The Cabinet decision creates an avenue for every Agniveer to potentially become an integral part of the regular armed forces,” CDS General Raja Subramani stated during a press briefing.
The strategic policy update comes as over 18,000 Agniveers from the maiden batch are approaching the end of their initial four-year tenure on December 31. Launched on June 14, 2022, the Agnipath scheme included provisions for periodic performance assessments, which according to the CDS, have yielded highly encouraging operational feedback.
Under the revised structure, 25% of candidates will be retained immediately in regular service, while the remaining 75% will be offered an extended engagement period of two years. Upon completing this extended tenure, interested personnel will be evaluated for regular absorption into the armed forces based on transparent, objective performance criteria.
For more details: Navamalayalam.com