Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Nov 1: The first batch of Agniveers recruited into the Indian Navy under the Agnipath scheme is set to complete its four-year tenure and exit service on November 21, marking the first major transition under the short-term military recruitment programme.
Around 2,100 Agniveers were inducted into the Navy in the first batch. Of these, approximately 550, accounting for nearly 25 per cent, have been retained under the Navy's retention policy. The remaining personnel are expected to leave service after completing their four-year engagement.
However, technical-category Agniveers may be considered for an extension of up to two years, depending on the Navy's operational requirements and the applicable policy. No formal communication regarding such an extension has been issued so far.
A senior Navy officer indicated that the government could be working on a roadmap to address the issue as the first batch approaches the end of its tenure.
The transition is not limited to the Navy. Agniveers recruited into the Indian Army and Indian Air Force are also scheduled to complete their four-year engagements by December 31. More than 18,000 personnel across the three services are expected to leave under the scheme by the end of December.
Introduced by the Government of India in 2022, the Agnipath scheme aims to transform recruitment into the Indian Armed Forces by bringing in young personnel for a four-year engagement period.
The Indian Navy recruits eligible candidates with Class 10 and Class 12 qualifications as Agniveers. They undergo basic training at INS Chilka in Odisha before attending professional courses at various naval training establishments across the country.
Following their training, Agniveers are attached to naval platforms to gain sea experience and are subsequently assigned duties aboard ships, in air squadrons and at shore establishments. Their training is designed to equip them with the skills required to perform assigned responsibilities under supervised or independent roles.
Under the scheme, Agniveers receive a monthly salary of Rs 30,000 during the first year, which increases progressively to Rs 40,000 in the fourth year.
On completion of the four-year tenure, up to 25 per cent of each batch may be retained in the regular cadre of the respective service. Selection is based on performance during the engagement period and the requirements of the armed forces.
Those retained in the Navy undergo further training and gain practical experience in operating and maintaining advanced weapon systems, machinery and electronic equipment. They receive the pay and allowances applicable to regular naval personnel.
The completion of the first Navy batch's tenure is expected to bring renewed attention to the retention process and the future career prospects of Agniveers completing their four-year service.