New Delhi, Nov 4 — Thousands of Agniveers nearing the end of their four-year term will have the option of staying in the armed forces for another two years. The Union Cabinet approved the extension on Wednesday, and Chief of Defence Staff General N. S. Raja Subramani announced the decision at a briefing.
Under the original terms of the Agnipath scheme, up to 25 per cent of recruits in each batch could be taken into regular service. The others were expected to leave after four years. Those who miss out on regular enrolment can now choose to stay on for two more years.
Around 18,000 Agniveers from the first batch had been expected to finish their service and leave by the end of December. Those who take up the extension will serve a total of six years and have another chance to be considered for regular enrolment.
