The Union Cabinet has revised the Agnipath scheme to offer an additional two-year engagement to 75 per cent of Agniveers.
The Union Cabinet has approved a two-year extension for Agniveers under the Agnipath scheme, according to reports by The Times of India, Mint and The News Mill. Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General NS Raja Subramani announced the decision on Wednesday, noting that the change follows positive performance evaluations of the first batch.
Under the original scheme introduced on June 14, 2022, only 25 per cent of Agniveers were selected for permanent service based on merit. The remaining 75 per cent were required to leave the armed forces after a four-year term. Under the new arrangement, this 75 per cent group will be offered a second engagement period of two years.
General Subramani stated that after this extension, Agniveers who wish to continue serving can be considered for enrolment, provided they meet objective selection criteria. He described the move as a significant development that creates a pathway for all Agniveers to be absorbed into the Indian Army.
The extended service period will include increased remuneration. General Subramani noted that pay will be Rs 43,500 in the first year of the extension and Rs 47,500 in the second year. Agniveers who choose this second engagement will receive seniority, though it will be lower than the seniority of the 25 per cent selected initially on merit.
The Agnipath scheme was designed to maintain a youthful military workforce and reduce long-term pension liabilities. The decision follows previous criticism regarding the short tenure of the programme, which led states like Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Maharashtra to offer reservations for former Agniveers in police services.
