The central government is considering retaining a larger number of armed forces personnel for regular service in the armed forces, and the first batch is scheduled to complete its four-year term next year.
According to an Indian Express report, all three services — Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force — have submitted proposals seeking to retain more than 25 per cent stake in Agnifer after completing four years of service. Of the three, the Navy sought the highest retention rate, proposing to absorb 75 percent of the Agniveers into regular service. The Army and Air Force have reportedly proposed increasing the retention rate from 25 percent to 50 percent.
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The remaining employees will be released with a one-time financial package known as Seva Nidhi, along with skill certificate and other benefits aimed at facilitating their transition to civilian employment.
As the first batch, which began training in early 2023, nears completion of its term next year, discussions are underway within the defense establishment about increasing retention. The move aims to maintain a trained workforce, address operational requirements and respond to concerns about the limited number of permanent positions available under the current policy.
The report indicates the possibility of discussing the proposal within the Department of Military Affairs (DMA) before any decision is made.
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According to the report, citing sources, one of the options under consideration is to increase the proportion of Agniveers retained for permanent service after the end of their four-year service period.
Even if the overall retention quota is not reviewed, the report said the armed forces are considering absorbing more Agniveers into selected specialized units. It also stated that the services plan to expand annual recruitment to fill the workforce shortage.
About 70,000 Agniveers were recruited for training last year, and the number is expected to rise to nearly 90,000 in the next recruitment cycle. The proposed increase is aimed at addressing the estimated shortfall of 1.8 lakh personnel in the Army while enhancing operational readiness under the Agneepath recruitment model.
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But there has been no official announcement from either the armed forces or the central government yet.
What is agnipath chart?
The central government launched the Agneepath scheme in June 2022. It is a military recruitment program to recruit youth into the Army, Navy and Air Force for a period of 4 years. Under this scheme, recruits are known as Agniveers. The maximum age must be between 17.5 and 21 years, although the maximum age has been temporarily relaxed to 23 years for the first recruitment cycle after the Covid-19 pandemic.
After completing their term of service, up to 25 percent of each batch may be selected for regular service based on regulatory requirements and performance. The remaining 75 per cent are released with tax-free Seva Nidhi package, skill certificate and priority in some government employment schemes.
The program follows a selection process that includes a written test and a medical examination. The merit list is released at the state level.
How does the scheme work?
The Agnipath scheme is designed to provide an opportunity to young people who may be keen to join the armed forces. Agniveers receive military training before being deployed in operational and non-operational roles. During the four-year period, labor workers receive a monthly salary with annual increments and contribute a portion of their earnings to the Seva Nidhi pool, which is matched by the government.
Once their service period is completed, Agniveers get a one-time ‘Seva Nidhi’ package, which includes their contribution, including interest accrued thereon and a matching contribution from the government equal to the accumulated amount of their contribution, including interest.
They are also provided with a non-contributory life insurance cover $48 lakh throughout their involvement in the Indian Armed Forces.
Why has this scheme become so controversial?
Since its launch, the Agneepath scheme has faced severe criticism over job security of candidates, pensions, youth unemployment, among other issues.
Widespread protests took place across Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and other states. Several opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Arvind Kejriwal and Akhilesh Yadav, have criticized the scheme, fearing that it may hamper the future of the youth.
