In a major overhaul of the Agnipath scheme, the Union Cabinet has approved a revised framework providing a pathway for the permanent enrolment of all willing Agniveers into the Defence Forces.
Briefing the media after the Cabinet meeting, Chief of Defence Staff General N.S. Raja Subramani said the move follows an extensive evaluation by the armed forces, which gave highly positive feedback on the effectiveness, physical fitness and technological adaptability of Agniveers. The decision comes just ahead of the completion of the initial four-year tenure of the first batch of 18,300 Agniveers next month.
As originally planned, the top 25 per cent of Agniveers will be offered regular permanent employment immediately after completing their initial four-year tenure, based on merit. The remaining 75 per cent will now be given an additional engagement period of two years, subject to their willingness and recommendations from the armed forces. After completing the additional two-year period, taking their total service to six years, all remaining willing Agniveers will be offered permanent enrolment as regular soldiers, subject to meeting the prescribed selection criteria.
The newly introduced two-year extension period will provide increased monthly remuneration, an enhanced Seva Nidhi package and cumulative seniority benefits. The structural reforms effectively remove the mandatory provision for the exit of 75 per cent of Agniveers, ensuring that those who wish to serve permanently and meet the prescribed eligibility criteria have a direct pathway to regular enrolment.
