In a significant move to overhaul the existing Agnipath Scheme, all three branches of the armed forces are considering measures to increase the retention period for Agniveers.

Debate over increasing the number of Agniveers granted permanent positions in the Indian armed forces has resurfaced. The first batch of Agniveers will complete their tenure in 2026, and a decision on their future may be taken soon, factoring in their performance during 'Operation Sindoor'.

The number of permanent Agniveers in the armed forces could be increased under the Agnipath scheme. Currently, only 25% of Agniveers are retained for continued service. However, it is believed that following 'Operation Sindoor', the retention rate could be raised to as much as 75%.

The move is aimed at preserving trained manpower, addressing operational requirements and responding to concerns over the limited number of permanent positions available under the current policy.

According to media reports, the decision is intended to retain skilled personnel, meet operational needs, and address concerns about the limited number of permanent posts available under the existing policy.

The report indicates that the proposal is likely to be deliberated within the Department of Military Affairs (DMA) before any decision is made.

As per the reports, the Navy has proposed the highest increase, aiming for a 75% retention rate. Meanwhile, the Army and the Air Force have sought to raise the figure from 25% to 50%.

The report noted that even without changing the overall retention quota, the armed forces are exploring the option of absorbing a larger number of Agniveers into certain specialised units. It added that the services also intend to increase yearly recruitment to address existing manpower gaps.

Agnipath Scheme

Introduced in June 2022, the Agnipath scheme represents a fundamental change in defence recruitment. Under this new military program, young candidates aged between 17.5 and 21 years are enlisted into the Army, Navy, and Air Force for a tenure of four years and recruits are known as Agniveers.

The upper age limit was temporarily relaxed to 23 years for the first recruitment cycle following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Upon completion of their tenure, as many as 25 per cent of each cohort may be absorbed into regular service, depending on organisational needs and individual performance.

The remaining 75 per cent are released with a tax-exempt Seva Nidhi package, a skills certificate, and preferential consideration in select government recruitment programmes.

Controversy

Since its introduction, the Agnipath scheme has drawn intense criticism regarding job security for recruits, pension provisions, and rising youth unemployment, among other concerns. Large-scale protests erupted in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and several other states.

Any proposal to increase the recruits under Agniveer require sanctions from Cabinet Committee of Security (CSS). The proposal has yet to receive green light from the union government.