Union Cabinet allows Agniveers who miss regular cut to stay on for two extra years

What Happened

Seventy-five per cent of Agniveers from the first batch were scheduled for release under the Agnipath scheme. On Wednesday, the Union Cabinet approved a new option for short-term recruits who do not make the cut after their initial four-year service. These soldiers can now stay in service for two additional years. This extension also gives them a route to enrol as regular soldiers once the extra period ends.

Reactions

Military veterans have welcomed the Cabinet decision, though some noted that the change arrived late. Major General (retd) Shammi Sabharwal stated that releasing trained manpower is unwise given current global conflicts. He noted that the extension helps unit efficiency and gives recruits more time to decide on their military career. Major General (retd) Yash Mor, a past critic, called it a good decision that amounts to a virtual rollback of a badly planned scheme. Lieutenant General (retd) DP Pandey termed the move a positive step that reflects feedback from ground units and refines the policy. Brigadier (retd) Hemant Mahajan said the four-year stint was too short to train soldiers for technical arms, making the extra two years beneficial. Major General (retd) Dhruv C Katoch described the move as a very positive development. Former Navy chief Admiral (retd) Dinesh Kumar Tripathi called the retention of trained personnel a win-win situation for everyone.

Context

The Agnipath scheme was originally introduced to recruit soldiers into the Indian Armed Forces on a short-term contract basis of four years. Major policy changes of this scale often undergo evaluation and adjustments as military leaders review their practical effects on unit readiness and troop retention over time.