Vinod Bhat
New Delhi: An objective assessment in terms of organisational requirements and operational efficiency has brought out the outstanding performance of Agniveers in terms of skills, motivation levels, physical fitness and technological prowess. As envisaged earlier, based on merit, 25% of Agniveers will be offered regular employment in the Defence Forces.
Further, for the remaining 75% Agniveers, on the recommendations of the Indian Defence Forces, another engagement period of 2 years has been approved by the Cabinet. After completion of this two-year engagement period, all Agniveers will be offered enrollment as regular soldiers subject to their willingness and their meeting selection criteria.
The introduction of another engagement period of two years for the willing 75% Agniveers has been done after deliberate, reasoned and elaborate evaluation and feedback with the fundamental aim of aligning the aspirations of Agniveers and organisational efficiency.
Achievements of Agnipath Scheme
After four years of implementation of the Agnipath Scheme, detailed feedback about its efficacy and the performance of Agniveers was obtained. Some of the salient achievements of the scheme include:
- Increased footprint of recruitment of Agniveers across districts of the country
- More standardised and transparent recruitment process
- Very high level of physical fitness, morale, motivation, competitive spirit and discipline
- Enhancement of skills, technological adaptability and education in the service
- Opening up of various branches of the Defence Forces for women
Based on these achievements, the Agnipath scheme shall continue. The second engagement period will have higher remuneration, enhanced Seva Nidhi package and seniority benefits.
With the introduction of another engagement period of two years followed by induction of all Agniveers as regular soldiers, the Cabinet has created a pathway for absorption of all Agniveers into Defence Forces.
