Government Approves 2 Year Extension for Agniveers, Opens Path to Permanent Military Service

The Army, Navy and Air Force have started the process of retaining Agniveers who were due to leave service after completing their initial four-year tenure, as per news reports.  

The government approved an additional two-year service period on Wednesday. Personnel completing six years will be considered for permanent recruitment, subject to eligibility conditions. 

The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Chief of Defence Staff General N S Raja Subramani announced the changes, weeks before the first large group of Agniveers was scheduled to complete its four-year engagement. 

Navy, Army and Air Force Begin Retention Process 

The Navy has internally released its merit list for the first batch of more than 2,500 Agniveers, whose service ends on November 21. Around 625 will join the regular cadre after completing four years. The remaining 1,875 are being sent fresh letters asking whether they wish to serve for another two years. 

In the Air Force, approximately 3,000 personnel from the first batch will complete their tenure between December 25 and 31. Around 750 are expected to enter regular service. 

The Army has nearly 40,000 Agniveers in its first batch, with their four-year terms ending between late December and early February. Around 10,000 are expected to be retained after the first four years. 

The remaining personnel across the three services will be considered for permanent recruitment after the additional two-year period. Their selection will depend on individual performance and the vacancies available in their respective services. 

Changes to Pay, Seniority and Pension 

The revised arrangement includes higher pay and an increased exit package during the additional two years. Seniority provisions have also been introduced. Those joining the regular cadre after six years will be placed immediately after their batchmates recruited into permanent service after four years. 

The Agnipath scheme was introduced in June 2022 to recruit personnel aged 17.5 to 21 years for four-year terms. Under the earlier arrangement, only 25 per cent could enter regular service. 

Agniveers serving for four or six years will not receive pensions. Those selected for regular service will be eligible for pension after completing another 15 years. More than 300,000 Agniveers are currently serving across the three services. 

Read More: Government Considers Asset Monetisation Proposals Worth Over ₹1,100 Crore! 

Conclusion  

The revised arrangement allows Agniveers to serve for up to six years before permanent recruitment. The three services have begun the retention process for their first batches. 

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