New Delhi, November 4: All Agniveers will have a route to permanent service in the Defence Forces after the Union Cabinet approved a second two-year engagement period for those not retained in the first round, the Ministry of Defence said on Wednesday.
As envisaged when the Agnipath scheme began, 25% of Agniveers will be offered regular employment in the Defence Forces on merit. The remaining 75% will now be offered another two years of engagement if they are willing, on the recommendation of the Defence Forces.
At the end of this second period, all Agniveers will be offered enrolment as regular soldiers, subject to their willingness and their meeting the selection criteria.
Higher pay in the second term
The ministry said the second engagement period will carry higher remuneration, an enhanced Seva Nidhi package and seniority benefits.
Decision based on four-year review
The decision follows an assessment of the scheme by the Defence Forces after four years of implementation. According to the ministry, the review found Agniveers had performed well in terms of skills, motivation, physical fitness and technical ability.
The ministry said the extra two-year term was introduced after detailed evaluation and feedback, with the aim of matching the aspirations of Agniveers with the needs of the forces.
What the ministry says the scheme has achieved
The ministry listed the following as results of the Agnipath scheme so far:
- recruitment of Agniveers from a larger number of districts across the country
- a more standardised and transparent recruitment process
- high levels of physical fitness, morale, motivation, competitive spirit and discipline
- better skills, technical adaptability and education during service
- more branches of the Defence Forces opened to women
Based on these results, the Agnipath scheme will continue, the ministry said.
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