Following widespread opposition to the Agnipath plan, the Centre announced a 10% reservation for Agniveers in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and Assam Rifles recruitment. The Ministry of Home Affairs also decided to grant a three-year age relaxation to Agniveers in the CAPFs and Assam Rifles who are between the ages of 17.5 and 21. Notably, the initial class of recruits will be given a five-year extension on the maximum age limit.
Agnipath Military scheme
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KEY POINTS:
- The Agnipath short-term recruitment strategy for the armed forces was previously announced by the Centre. The plan, which is intended to be a reformative step, attempts to infuse more fresh blood into the three services.
- The Agnipath programme will allow young people aged 17.5 to 21 to be inducted into one of the Army’s three services as agniveers for a four-year period.
- Agnipath has sparked protests in a number of states. During violent demonstrations by candidates, the central government increased the upper age limit for the scheme from 21 to 23 years in a one-time waiver.
- Defence job candidates have expressed concern over their next step, as just 25% of soldiers recruited through the scheme will be kept to complete a full term after four years. The youth who were recruited through the Agnipath initiative but were not integrated would be released from their obligations without receiving pension benefits.