New Delhi: BJP chief spokesperson Anil Baluni on Wednesday hailed the Cabinet decision to offer an extension to Agniveers set to exit the military at the end of their four-year tenure as “significant”, saying it will empower youth and the Army, and secure India.
In a major overhaul of the Agnipath scheme, the government announced earlier in the day that Agniveers set to exit the military at the end of their four-year tenure will be given an additional two-year extension and subsequent permanent recruitment subject to meeting specific eligibility criteria.
In a post on X, Baluni said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Union Cabinet has taken an important decision by approving the “second tour of duty” for Agniveers.
The original provision to absorb 25% of Agniveers directly into regular service based on merit remains active.
The remaining 75% of Agniveers will now be offered an additional two-year engagement period based on their willingness.
Upon completing the revised six-year term, all willing Agniveers who meet objective military selection criteria will have the opportunity to be enrolled as regular soldiers.
Recruits entering the extended two-year period will receive higher salaries. They will get ₹43,500 per month in the fifth year and ₹47,500 per month in the sixth year. Those exiting after six years will receive an enhanced, tax-free Seva Nidhi package of ₹10.92 lakh.
