Diwali gift for Agniveers! 75% of soldiers to get 2-year extension, relief on marriage restrictions also possible

In a major change to the Agnipath scheme, the central government has given Agniveers another opportunity to serve in the armed forces for a longer period. Out of the Agniveers who complete their initial four-year service, 25 percent will be inducted into regular service based on merit, while the remaining 75 percent will get the option of two years of additional service. This way, they will be able to serve in the Army, Navy, or Air Force for up to six years.

Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh has described this decision as a 'win-win solution' for both the Agniveers and the armed forces. He also called it a Diwali gift. Along with this, the option of allowing Agniveers to marry during the additional two years of service is also being considered. However, no formal decision has been taken in this regard yet.

75 percent of Agniveers will get a two-year additional tenure

In the Union Cabinet meeting held on 4 November under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a two-year additional service period for Agniveers was approved. While providing this information, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General NS Raja Subramani stated that 25 percent of Agniveers who complete their initial four-year service will be inducted into regular service based on merit, as before.

Meanwhile, the remaining 75 percent of Agniveers will be given the opportunity for two years of additional service based on their willingness. This decision will provide relief to those soldiers who were to be released from service after four years.

Opportunity to become a regular soldier after additional service as well

According to the government's decision, after completing two years of additional service, Agniveers will also be given the opportunity to join the regular armed forces. For this, their consent and meeting the prescribed selection criteria will be necessary.

This means the path to becoming a regular soldier will no longer be limited to only the 25 percent of Agniveers selected after the initial four years. Soldiers who serve the additional period will also be able to join regular service based on their merit, discipline, physical fitness, and performance.

Government is satisfied with the performance of Agniveers

According to Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, it was decided at the very inception of the Agnipath scheme to review it after four years. During the review, the performance of the Agniveers was found to be quite good.

He stated that Agniveers have also performed better in various military operations. The decision for an additional service period has been taken considering their skills, physical capacity, discipline, and technical proficiency.

The government believes that this will help in retaining trained and experienced soldiers in the armed forces. At the same time, Agniveers will get additional time to prove their capability and advance their military career.

Permission to marry may also be considered

The possibility of getting relief in the rules related to marriage for Agniveers has also emerged. Under the current system, Agniveers are not allowed to marry during their initial four-year service.

Now, the need for a change in this restriction is being considered after the start of the two-year additional service period. It is possible that Agniveers may be allowed to marry during the additional two-year tenure.

However, this proposal is still under consideration. No formal notification regarding changes to marriage-related rules has been issued by the government or the armed forces. Therefore, for now, this relief should be considered potential.

Better financial benefits will be available in additional service

According to the government, Agniveers will be given higher remuneration during the two-year additional service period compared to before. Along with this, the Seva Nidhi package and benefits related to seniority will also be increased.

This change will give Agniveers an opportunity to become financially strong and better prepare for their future. At the same time, the armed forces will also be able to avail the services of experienced soldiers for a longer time.

Which Agniveers will get the benefit of the change for now?

This new system announced by the government has currently been implemented for Agniveers already serving in the armed forces. How it will be applied to Agniveers coming under new recruitment can be reviewed and decided upon later.

This decision is being considered a significant change in the Agnipath scheme. It will provide Agniveers facing the prospect of leaving service after four years with two years of additional service and another opportunity to become a regular soldier thereafter.