Centre extends Agniveers’ tenure by two years

New Delhi: The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved a two-year extension of tenure for Agniveers under the Agnipath scheme, weeks before around 18,000 personnel were due to exit the armed forces after completing their initial four-year term.

The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Chief of Defence Staff General NS Raja Subramani said all Agniveers would get an opportunity to continue their engagement with the armed forces, subject to their performance and a review of their service record.

Under the Agnipath scheme, soldiers are recruited for a four-year term, with a provision to retain only 25 percent of them in regular service.

Welcoming the move, defence minister Rajnath Singh said it would also open up opportunities for willing Agniveers to join the regular forces, subject to selection criteria.

In a post on X, Singh wrote, “Taking a significant decision today, the Union Cabinet chaired by PM Modi has approved a two-year ‘Second Tour of Duty’ for Agniveers under Agnipath.” “I sincerely thank PM Modi for taking the decision of an additional 2-year ‘Second Tour of Duty’ for Agniveers under the Agnipath scheme. This would also provide enrollment of all willing Agniveers as regular soldiers after the tenure of 4/6 years, who meet the selection criteria.”

Describing the decision as part of wider defence reforms, Singh said it was aimed at preparing the armed forces for evolving security challenges and the changing nature of warfare.