Quick Take | Agniveer Scheme: What Is It and Why Has the Govt Extended Service by 2 Years?

1. Who are Agniveers?

Agniveers are young men and women recruited into the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force under the Agnipath scheme. Introduced in June 2022, the scheme allows eligible candidates to serve in the Armed Forces for an initial period of four years.

2. What is the Agnipath scheme?

The Union Cabinet introduced the Agnipath scheme on June 14, 2022, to recruit young personnel into the three services for a fixed tenure. The government said the initiative was aimed at making the Armed Forces younger and more dynamic while providing young people an opportunity to serve the country.

3. What was the original four-year arrangement?

Under the original framework, Agniveers were recruited for four years. At the end of their tenure, up to 25 per cent of each batch could be selected for permanent enrolment into the regular cadre, based on merit and organisational requirements. The remaining 75 per cent were expected to return to civilian life with a Seva Nidhi package.

4. What has changed under the new decision?

The Union Cabinet has approved an additional two-year engagement period for the remaining 75 per cent of Agniveers who would otherwise have exited after four years. At the end of this extended period, those willing to continue will be considered for enrolment in the regular Armed Forces, subject to objective selection criteria.

5. Why has the government extended the service period?

Chief of Defence Staff General NS Raja Subramani said the decision followed positive feedback from performance evaluations conducted over the first four years of the scheme. He said the government had committed to periodically reviewing the Agnipath scheme and assessing the performance of Agniveers. The extension provides the Armed Forces with an opportunity to retain trained personnel for longer while giving Agniveers another chance to pursue a career in the military.

6. Will all Agniveers become permanent soldiers?

The two-year extension does not guarantee permanent enrolment for everyone. Those completing the extended engagement period will have an opportunity to join the regular Armed Forces, provided they are willing and meet the prescribed objective selection criteria. The detailed selection arrangements are yet to be clarified.

7. Why has the Agnipath scheme faced criticism?

Since its introduction in 2022, the scheme has faced criticism over its four-year service period and the provision allowing only 25 per cent of each batch to enter the regular forces. Concerns have also been raised about employment prospects and long-term career security for those leaving after four years. Several states, including Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Maharashtra, have announced reservation provisions for former Agniveers in police and other government services.