Cabinet Creates New Pathway for Agniveers in Defence Forces
25% to get regular employment on merit; remaining personnel to be offered a further two-year engagement before possible enrolment as regular soldiers
- Cabinet approves a new pathway for Agniveers absorption.
- 25% of Agniveers to receive regular employment on merit.
- Remaining 75% to be offered a further two-year engagement.
- Regular enrolment will depend on willingness and selection criteria.
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 4th Nov: The Union Cabinet has approved a new pathway for Agniveers absorption into the Defence Forces, allowing the remaining personnel beyond the initial 25% selection to undertake another two-year engagement before being considered for regular enrolment.
The decision follows a performance assessment of Agniveers carried out by the Defence Forces over the past four years. The assessment reportedly found positive feedback on their overall performance, including their skills, motivation, physical fitness and technological capabilities.
Under the arrangement, 25% of Agniveers will continue to be offered regular employment in the Defence Forces on merit, as envisaged under the existing framework.
The remaining 75% will be offered another engagement period of two years, subject to their willingness. Following completion of this period, all Agniveers will be offered enrolment as regular soldiers, subject to their willingness and fulfilment of the prescribed selection criteria.
The decision follows a detailed evaluation of the Agnipath scheme and feedback on the performance of its recruits. The additional engagement period is intended to align the aspirations of Agniveers with the operational requirements and organisational efficiency of the Defence Forces.
The revised arrangement is also expected to provide the second-engagement cohort with higher remuneration, an enhanced Seva Nidhi package and seniority benefits. The scheme will continue with a focus on merit-based selection, discipline, physical fitness and technological adaptability.
