Center Planning To Tweak Agnipath Scheme To Increase Retention Rates

The Indian government is planning major changes to the Agnipath military recruitment scheme, including increasing the retention percentage of Agniveers and enhancing their emoluments and entitlements, according to senior Defence Ministry sources.

The Agnipath scheme, launched in June 2022, recruits soldiers, airmen, and sailors for a four-year term, with up to 25% eligible to apply for permanent service based on merit and organizational needs. However, this percentage is now expected to be significantly raised.

Increasing Retention of Agniveers

Deliberations are underway to boost the retention of Agniveers after their initial four-year stint, with the Army recommending increasing the percentage from 25% to 60-70%. This would allow a larger portion of Agniveers to continue their military careers, addressing concerns over their post-service prospects.

The Army has already submitted its recommendations to the government, and the changes are likely to be implemented after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The scheme has faced criticism from some political allies, prompting the government to review it.

Enhancing Emoluments and Entitlements

In addition to increasing retention, the government is considering revising the emoluments and entitlements for Agniveers to make the scheme more attractive. This could include improvements to the financial package and benefits provided to those who complete their four-year term.

Ongoing Assessment and Feedback

The Indian Army is currently conducting an internal survey on the Agnipath scheme to gather feedback from various stakeholders, including Agniveers, recruiting staff, and unit commanders. This assessment aims to evaluate the scheme’s impact on recruitment and identify areas for improvement.

The survey results are expected to inform the proposed tweaks to the Agnipath scheme, focusing on engagement terms, retention rates, and other related aspects. The government is committed to making the necessary changes to enhance the scheme’s effectiveness and address the concerns raised by its critics.