Agnipath scheme

Agnipath scheme: Armed Forces seek larger retention of Agniveers after end of 4-year tenure-INDIAN EXPRESS

The Armed Forces are seeking an increase in the percentage of Agniveers retained after completing their four-year tenure, while the current approved retention limit remains 25% for each service. 

About Agnipath Scheme

• The Agnipath Scheme, launched in 2022, is the Government of India’s short-term recruitment model for personnel below officer ranks in the Armed Forces.
•  Under the scheme, selected recruits, called Agniveers, aged between 17.5 and 23 years, serve for a period of four years, including around six months of training.
• The scheme aims to reduce the average age of the Armed Forces from around 32 years to nearly 26 years.
• It also seeks to reduce the rising defence pension burden, as only 25% of Agniveers are retained for longer service.
• After completing four years, Agniveers receive a tax-exempt Seva Nidhi Package of about ₹11.71 lakh, without pension benefits.

Current Retention Framework

• At present, only 25% of Agniveers are retained after completion of their four-year tenure.
• Retention is based on merit, performance and willingness to continue in service.
• The first batches, inducted in early 2023, are expected to complete their tenure later this year.
• All Agniveers are initially released after four years, and only selected candidates are re-enrolled as regular soldiers, sailors or airmen.

Why are the Armed Forces Seeking Higher Retention?

• The Armed Forces are seeking higher retention of Agniveers to maintain a larger pool of trained and experienced personnel.
• Agniveers completing four years of service would already have operational exposure and better familiarity with military systems.
• Many Agniveers have participated in multiple operations, making them more useful for combat and field requirements.
• Higher retention will help the forces retain soldiers, sailors and airmen trained in handling new technologies and modern weapons.
• The Navy is likely to seek around 75% retention, while the Army and IAF may seek around 50% retention, against the current approved limit of 25%.
• The issue is expected to be discussed further between the three services and the Department of Military Affairs to explore practical options.
• Even if overall retention remains at 25%, specialised units may induct a higher share of retained Agniveers due to their experience.
•  Newly raised units such as the Army’s Bhairav battalions may require more experienced retained soldiers than regular infantry units.
• The demand also reflects the need to address manpower shortages, especially as the Army faces a shortfall of around 1.8 lakh troops.
• Higher retention may improve operational readiness, continuity, combat preparedness and technology-based warfare capability.