JD(U) Praises Two-Year Extension for Agniveer Soldiers as Diwali Gift

The Janata Dal welcomed the central government's decision to grant Agniveer soldiers a two-year extension. JD national spokesperson Rajeev Ranjan Prasad called the move a wonderful Diwali gift for young people who want to join the armed forces. He noted that the change will especially help youth in states like Bihar where many people enlist in the Army.

Changes

The government announced the overhaul of the Agnipath scheme on Wednesday after the Union Cabinet approved changes recommended by the three services. Under the updated rules, soldiers who finish their initial four-year term will get an extra two-year extension. After these two years, they can also be considered for permanent recruitment if they meet specific rules. When the scheme started in June 2022, only 25 percent of soldiers were kept in regular service after four years, while the rest had to leave. The new policy affects roughly 18,300 Agniveers who were set to leave the military by December 31.

Context

Policy changes to military recruitment schemes often reflect ongoing reviews of defense needs and force readiness. The Agnipath program represents one of the largest shifts in modern Indian military staffing in recent years. Such updates aim to balance youthful force profiles with the retention of experienced personnel.