Cabinet Approves Two-Year Extension For Agniveers Ahead Of Exit Of 18,000 Personnel

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved a two-year extension in the tenure of Agniveers, offering them an opportunity to continue serving in the armed forces beyond their existing four-year engagement.

The decision comes weeks before around 18,000 Agniveers were scheduled to complete their four-year service and exit the armed forces.

Chief of Defence Staff General NS Raja Subramani said all Agniveers would be given an opportunity to continue their engagement, subject to their performance and subsequent review.

Under the Agnipath scheme, introduced for recruitment into the armed forces, Agniveers are initially enrolled for a four-year term. The existing framework provides for retaining up to 25 per cent of each batch in regular service, while the remaining personnel leave after completing their tenure.

The latest decision provides Agniveers with an extended opportunity to continue their military careers, with their continuation depending on the assessment of their performance.