The Indian Army has announced the commencement of phase II of the Agniveer recruitment process. “This phase represents a significant milestone in the Army’s efforts to revamp its recruitment procedures and ensure a smooth and efficient selection process for prospective candidates. We want to assure you that the process is free, fair, and transparent, and all candidates are advised not to engage with any types of touts, unauthorised individuals or middlemen”, PRO Defence, Guwahati said.
The Agnipath recruitment scheme was launched in June 2022 to facilitate the short-term enlistment of personnel and lower the age profile of the three services. Under this scheme, individuals aged between 17 and a half and 21 are recruited for a four-year term, with the option to retain 25% of them for an additional 15 years. This offers a unique opportunity for young individuals to serve their country and gain valuable skills and experiences. The recruitment process consists of two phases: an online written examination and a recruitment rally.
Recently, the NDA government has demonstrated its commitment to the welfare of the armed forces by tasking a group of secretaries from 10 key ministries to review the Agnipath scheme. This review aims to make the recruitment programme more attractive and address any lacunae that may exist. The programme review is also part of the new government’s revised 100-day agenda.
The group of secretaries has been tasked with reviewing the scheme and suggesting ways to make the armed forces recruitment programme more attractive. The scheme became a key election issue in the poll campaign, with opposition parties, especially Congress, vowing to revoke it if voted to power. The panel of secretaries is expected to give a final presentation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The decision to review the scheme comes after the Modi government failed to win a majority independently in the 18th Lok Sabha polls. To form a government at the Centre, it had to take help from allies of the NDA, with JD(U) being one of the key players. The party had demanded a correction in the defence scheme during the formation of the government.
Team BharatShakti
