Centre may extend Agniveer Scheme by 2 years, announcement likely before November 21: Report
New Delhi: The Central government is considering extending the 4-year service tenure of Agniveers, by another 2 years. An announcement regarding the extension is likely to be made before November 21, said a report in the Navbharat Times. This extension proposal comes as the first batch of Agniveers, deployed with the Indian Navy are set to complete their tenure on November 21.
Meanwhile, the Indian Air Force batch of Agniveers will complete their tenure on December 21 and those recruited in the Army on December 31.
The news outlet quoted sources claiming that the government is planning to extend the service period of the Agniveers by another 2 years. However, it has yet not been finalised as to how many personnel would benefit from this change in the Agniveer scheme, across the 3 services.
If the proposal is finalised and indeed implemented, it would create 3 categories of personnel in the armed forces, namely, Agniveers whose service tenure has been extended, newly recruited Agniveers and the permanent soldiers inducted into the armed forces.
Agniveer scheme
The Agniveer scheme was launched by the Centre on June 14,2022. This scheme was to recruit personnel in the Army, Navy and the Air Force for a period of 4 years, including the training period.
Under the current scheme only 25% of the Agniveers are retained after completing their 4-year-tenure in the regular Army, Air Force or Navy cadre. The retention is based on performance, eligibility and recruitment rules of the 3 cadres.
The rest of the 75% of Agniveers are released after completing 4 years of service. They are provided with a Seva Nidhi package, a skill certificate and other necessary training to transition to civilian employment.
Upon completing the 4-year-tenure, Agniveers receive a Seva Nidhi package, of approximately Rs 11.71 lakh, including interests. This package comprises contributions from the Agniveers and an equal amount from the government.
They also get a life insurance of Rs 48 lakh during their service tenure. However, once they complete their tenure, they are not eligible for gratuity or for any kind of pensions.
The proposed extension of 2 years in the tenure would mark a significant change in the existing services of Agniveers. It would also mean a longer serving time for the personnel not absorbed into the regular cadres.
The government is however yet to announce the extension. It is also not clear how many of the Agniveers would be eligible for the extension.