18,000 Agniveers were set to return home; now, they get a two-year extension and another chance to secure a permanent job..

The government has taken a major decision regarding the thousands of youths recruited into the armed forces as 'Agniveers,' introducing several significant changes to the 'Agnipath' scheme. The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) provided full details on these updates. Under the new provisions, the 75 percent of Agniveers who were previously set to leave the service will now be granted a two-year service extension, allowing them to serve for a total of six years. Furthermore, they will be given an opportunity to secure permanent employment thereafter. It is understood that the intent is to offer permanent positions within the armed forces to the majority of these Agniveers.

What is the Agnipath scheme?
The Agnipath scheme was introduced by the Government of India in June 2022. Under this scheme, youths recruited into the armed forces are designated as 'Agniveers.' The original policy stipulated that after four years of service, only 25 percent of the recruits would be retained, while the remaining 75 percent would be required to leave. It was also specified that those leaving the service would not be entitled to benefits such as a pension.

18,000 Agniveers were set to leave
With four years having passed since the implementation of the Agnipath scheme, 75 percent of the first batch of Agniveers were due to exit the service. Approximately 18,000 personnel were set to leave within a few weeks; however, just before this could happen, the Union Cabinet approved a proposal to grant a two-year extension to these Agniveers. Consequently, no Agniveer will have to lose their job at this stage.

An opportunity for all after two years
Even after the two-year extension concludes, most Agniveers will have the chance to secure their positions. The armed forces have indicated that, following a comprehensive review, all 75 percent of these Agniveers will be given an opportunity to obtain permanent employment. In other words, the majority of these personnel will be able to retain their jobs. For this, they will need to focus on their own track record and other relevant factors.

Who will have to leave the service?
The question arises: which Agniveers will have to return home after completing their 6-year tenure? The Army has clarified that only those Agniveers with a poor performance profile, those guilty of indiscipline, or those deemed medically unfit will be discharged from the service.

What benefits do Agniveers receive?
Personnel exiting under the Agnipath scheme are entitled to various benefits. To ensure their financial stability, there is a provision for a 'Seva Nidhi' (service fund) of approximately ₹11.71 lakh—an amount that could exceed ₹15 lakh after 6 years. Furthermore, provisions have been made for their reservation in other government jobs. They will be granted a 50 percent reservation in the CAPF (Central Armed Police Forces) and the Assam Rifles. Additionally, various states have also made arrangements to provide reservations at their respective levels.

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