SOURCE: AFI
In a recent statement, General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of Army Staff of the Indian Army, provided key updates on the Agnipath recruitment scheme, addressing concerns and outlining potential reforms to ensure the program aligns with the needs of the armed forces and its recruits.
Speaking on the Agniveer initiative, which has sparked both support and criticism since its introduction in 2022, General Dwivedi highlighted plans to synergize leave policies, potentially increase the recruitment age limit, and defer decisions on retention percentages until after December 2026. These proposed changes reflect the Army’s commitment to refining the scheme based on operational feedback and long-term strategic goals.
One of the most significant announcements from General Dwivedi was the plan to harmonize the leave entitlements of Agniveers with those of regular soldiers. Currently, Agniveers, who serve a four-year tenure under the Agnipath scheme, are granted 30 days of annual leave, while regular soldiers receive 90 days off per year. This disparity has been a point of contention, with critics arguing that it creates a sense of inequity among personnel serving alongside each other in the same units.
“We plan to synergize their leave equal to normal soldiers,” General Dwivedi stated, signaling a move towards parity. If implemented, this reform would allow Agniveers to avail 90 days of annual leave, aligning their benefits with those of regular soldiers. Such a change is expected to boost morale among Agniveers, improve camaraderie within units, and address perceptions of differential treatment. It also underscores the Army’s recognition of the demanding nature of military service, irrespective of tenure, and the need to ensure fairness in welfare policies.
Another reform under consideration is raising the upper age limit for Agniveer recruitment from 21 to 23 years. General Dwivedi noted that this change is “likely” and aims to widen the pool of eligible candidates, allowing more young Indians to join the armed forces under the scheme. The current age limit of 17.5 to 21 years has been criticized for excluding many potential recruits who may have missed the window due to educational or personal commitments.
Increasing the age limit to 23 years could also attract candidates with greater maturity, life experience, and possibly higher educational qualifications, enhancing the overall quality of recruits. This adjustment aligns with the Army’s broader goal of making the Agnipath scheme more inclusive while maintaining a youthful and dynamic force. However, the final decision on this proposal is still under deliberation, with implementation likely to depend on recruitment trends and operational requirements.
One of the most debated aspects of the Agnipath scheme is the retention policy for Agniveers after their four-year tenure. Under the current framework, up to 25% of Agniveers are eligible for retention as regular soldiers, while the remaining 75% exit the service with a financial package and transition assistance. Critics have argued that this low retention rate could lead to a loss of trained manpower and create uncertainty for young recruits regarding their future careers.
General Dwivedi clarified that discussions on increasing the retention percentage—from the current 25% to potentially 50%—will only take place after December 2026, when the first batch of Agniveers completes its four-year tenure. “25% to 50% retention discussion will only happen after December 2026,” he stated, emphasizing a cautious and data-driven approach. This timeline allows the Army to assess the performance, adaptability, and overall impact of the first cohort of Agniveers before making long-term decisions on retention.
By deferring this decision, the Army aims to gather comprehensive feedback on training outcomes, operational effectiveness, and the integration of Agniveers into regular units. It also provides an opportunity to evaluate the scheme’s success in achieving its stated objectives—reducing the age profile of the armed forces, enhancing combat readiness, and creating a pool of skilled youth for civilian sectors. The possibility of increasing retention to 50% could address concerns about career prospects for Agniveers, offering a clearer pathway to permanent service for those who excel during their tenure.
Introduced in June 2022, the Agnipath scheme represents a paradigm shift in military recruitment, aiming to create a leaner, younger, and tech-savvy force. Agniveers are recruited for a four-year term, with the option for 25% to be absorbed into regular service based on merit and organizational needs. Those not retained receive a lump-sum “Seva Nidhi” package—comprising their contributions, government matching funds, and interest—along with priority in recruitment for certain government jobs and skill certifications to aid their transition to civilian life.
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