In what is being seen as a major overhaul of the Agnipath scheme, the government, on Wednesday, announced that Agniveers set to exit the military at the end of their four-year tenure will be given an additional two-year extension period and eventually offered permanent recruitment, if they meet the specific eligibility criteria and individual consent.
The announcement comes after four years of implementation of the Agnipath scheme, during which detailed feedback about its efficacy and the performance of Agniveers was obtained. Currently, over 3,00,000 soldiers recruited under the Agnipath scheme are serving in the military.
According to the government, the scheme has achieved several significant milestones, including an increased footprint of recruitment of Agniveers across districts of the country and a more standardised and transparent recruitment process.
Other achievements include a very high level of physical fitness, morale, motivation, competitive spirit and discipline among Agniveers.
The scheme has also contributed to the enhancement of skills, technological adaptability and education in the services, apart from opening up various branches of the military for women, the defence ministry stated in a release.
The government launched the Agnipath scheme on June 15, 2022, to recruit both male and female aspirants into the below-officer-rank cadre of the three services for a period of four years as Agniveers. Candidates between the ages of 17.5 and 21 years are eligible to apply for the scheme. Agniveers undergo optimised basic military training and specialised trade training, followed by upskilling courses as required.
The scheme was envisaged as a force multiplier in making the Indian military one of the best in the world, with a youthful, high-tech and ultra-modern outlook.
According to the government, the scheme was expected to bring down the average age profile of the Indian Armed Forces by about four to five years.
It was also aimed at inculcating patriotism, teamwork, physical fitness and loyalty, while creating a pool of trained personnel to boost national security during external threats, internal threats and natural disasters.
When asked about the schemes announced by various central ministries and state governments for Agniveers exiting after their four-year tenure, Chief of Defence Staff Gen N.S. Raja Subraman said those provisions would no longer be required.
