Agniveers Set to Receive Good News as Government Plans Reforms in Agnipath Scheme

Vishal Rana, Hamirpur

In what could be a significant development for aspiring Agniveers, the government is reportedly considering major revisions in the Agnipath scheme, which could lead to an increase in the number of Agniveers retained in the military beyond their initial four-year term. Currently, only 25% of Agniveers are kept in service after this period. However, the government may soon raise this retention percentage to allow more personnel to continue serving.

The Agnipath scheme, launched in 2022, is expected to undergo several reforms, with sources indicating that the Ministry of Defence is planning changes to the structure and benefits of the program. One of the key updates could be a potential salary increase for Agniveers, ensuring better financial support for those who dedicate their service to the nation.

Although no official statement has been released by the Defence Ministry, insiders suggest that these reforms are aimed at enhancing the benefits and efficiency of the scheme. Military experts believe that the current retention cap of 25% is insufficient to maintain the required strength of the armed forces. An army source stated that keeping only one-quarter of the Agniveers after four years is not enough to maintain ground combat capabilities.

The army has reportedly recommended increasing the retention rate to 50%, which would help sustain the military’s operational strength. A survey was conducted to gather feedback, and the recommendations have been submitted to the government for review. However, top defence officials caution that while these changes are being considered, it may take some time for the reforms to be fully implemented.

With the government weighing important reforms to the Agnipath scheme, Agniveers could soon see better prospects in terms of job security and financial stability. The potential increase in retention rates and salary improvements could make the program more attractive for young recruits, while also helping the military maintain a robust force. However, as these changes are still under review, it may be a while before they are formally adopted.