Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, on Thursday, described the government's decision to extend the tenure of Agniveers by two years as a win-win for both the soldiers and the armed forces, providing an opportunity for permanent absorption while allowing the military to retain trained and experienced personnel.
"This is a win-win solution. From the very beginning, it was stated that the programme would be reassessed after four years," Singh said.
He said that during this reassessment, if an Agniveer's performance has been exceptionally good, including in various operational assignments, the possibility of offering a second term of two years may be considered.
After that, those who are willing and meet the required eligibility criteria, including prescribed operational parameters, will be given an opportunity to join the regular Army permanently.
"It will give them an opportunity to demonstrate their capabilities through a competitive process, and those who perform well will have the opportunity to be absorbed into the regular Army on a permanent basis," Singh said.
Explaining the benefits, Air Vice Marshal Shekhar Yadav, Senior Officer In-charge, Administration, HQ Eastern Air Command, Indian Air Force, said the additional two years would benefit both the Services and Agniveers.
"For the Services, we get to retain skilled and experienced manpower, a larger pool of trained soldiers as assessed over a longer period and selected into the regular cadre. For Agniveers, the additional two years mean more experience, more skills and a stronger financial base," he said.
Air Vice Marshal Yadav said the Agnipath scheme was rolled out in 2022 to enable a younger profile of the Indian defence forces and provide an opportunity for youth to join the military.
He said following an objective assessment of organisational requirements, operational efficiency and the exceptional performance of Agniveers, the armed forces recommended a second tour of duty, which the government approved.
Agniveers completing their first four-year engagement will be eligible to apply for the additional two-year tenure, with selection based on objective criteria laid down by the armed forces.
During the second engagement, Agniveers will receive an enhanced fixed monthly pay package of ₹43,500 in the first year and ₹47,500 in the second year, plus applicable allowances.
A fresh Seva Nidhi Package will also be opened, with Agniveers contributing ₹3.28 lakh and the government contributing ₹7.64 lakh over two years.
Yadav said the government's contribution would increase to 70 per cent, compared to 50 per cent under the first Seva Nidhi Package. Agniveers would have around ₹10-11 lakh tax-free after six years if they opted for the second engagement.
Will all Agniveers be absorbed after six years?
Defence officials clarified that all willing Agniveers would be offered absorption into the regular cadre. The first 25 per cent would be absorbed after four years, while the remaining 75 per cent could be absorbed after six years without any numerical limit, subject to being physically fit and disciplined.
What happens to their seniority?
The seniority of Agniveers absorbed after six years will be protected. They will be placed immediately after their own batchmates who joined the regular cadre after four years and will not become junior to subsequent batches.
Has the Agnipath scheme been rolled back?
Officials clarified that the scheme has not been rolled back. Only an additional engagement period of two years has been introduced, creating a pathway for all eligible and willing Agniveers to become regular soldiers.
