Govt paves way for all Agniveers' absorption into armed forces

The Union Cabinet has extended the service of Agniveers from four to six years, with higher pay and the opportunity to become regular soldiers. This marks a major update to the Agnipath scheme and clears the path for over three lakh Agniveers to join the armed forces. The decision, hailed as a continuation of long-term military reforms, aims to create a younger, fitter, and technologically advanced Indian military.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called the two-year extension a "second tour of duty" for Agniveers, while Chief of Defence Staff Gen N S Raja Subramani emphasized that it is a "very significant day for defence forces and our Agniveers." The changes are expected to address concerns in various recruitment zones and come as opposition parties questioned the short-term nature of the original Agnipath scheme.