Great news for Agniveer: Opportunity to serve for another 2 years after 4 years, hopes for permanent employment grow

The Union Cabinet has approved a major decision for the youth serving as fire fighters in the Indian Armed Forces. The Union Cabinet has approved the option of giving an additional two years of service to 75 percent of the fire fighters who have not been selected in the regular army, who are completing their initial four-year service period under the Agnipatha Yojana. On November 4, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General N.S. Raja Subramanian informed about the decision. As a result, eligible fire fighters will get an additional two years of service after four years and will be given higher remuneration during this period.

According to the Agneepath scheme, which was launched on June 14, 2022, the initial service period of the fire fighters was four years. After this period, a maximum of 25 percent of the fire fighters were to be recruited in the regular armed forces on the basis of qualifications and merit. The remaining 75 percent would have to leave the service after four years. But according to the new decision, these remaining fire fighters will get the opportunity to serve for another two years. After completing the additional two years of service, the fire fighters who wish to remain in the army will get the opportunity to join the regular armed forces on the basis of prescribed qualifications and selection criteria.

The main objective of this decision is to utilize the experience of the fire fighters and give them an opportunity to serve for a longer period in the army. The CDS also mentioned that the performance review of the fire fighters for the last four years has yielded positive feedback. The decision comes at a time when the four-year service period of the first batch of fire fighters is about to end. However, getting an additional two years does not mean that all fire fighters will automatically become permanent soldiers. Desire, qualifications, performance and the criteria set by the government will be important for regular recruitment. It is expected that this change will give the fire fighters another opportunity to serve for a long time in the army and join regular service.