Talks on in armed forces to up Agniveers retention

THE ARMED FORCES are discussing a reassessment of the Agnipath scheme, keeping in mind the requirement for an ideal ratio between technically proficient and trained manpower and a reduced age profile of soldiers in the military, The Indian Express has learnt.

- AMRITA NAYAK DUTTA

The services have been periodically reviewing the scheme — for recruitment of soldiers, airmen and sailors for a limited period of four years — ever since it was introduced in 2022. While there have been discussions between the services and the Department of Military Affairs on possible tweaks, no major changes have been cleared so far.

However, according to sources, following Operation Sindoor in May, there have been discussions on increasing the retention of Agniveers, based on factors such as training, experience and expertise acquired by them in their four years. Sources said the performance of Agniveers in Op Sindoor was found to be "excellent".