In a significant development marking a year since the introduction of a transformative reform in the military history of India, the Indian armed forces are contemplating substantial changes in the Agnipath scheme. These potential revisions encompass an increase in the absorption of Agniveers from the existing 25 percent to 50 percent, an extension of the maximum age limit to 23 years, and the inclusion of youths with a technical background.

Sources familiar with the matter, speaking to Asianet News cable, revealed that work is underway to implement these proposals. The primary objective is to permanently absorb 50 percent of Agniveers to address the declining strength of the armed forces at the soldier's level, considering the challenges that may arise in the future.

It is pertinent to mention here that the forces have a restricted number of recruitments scheduled for the next three years. “In the technical streams like aviation, engineering, and electronics among others, we are facing challenges in inducting eligible Agniveers. This issue is also under discussion at a higher level,” the sources said.

Under the Agnipath scheme, which was launched in June 2022, candidates currently within the age range of 17.5 to 21 years are being evaluated for Agniveer positions. However, the armed forces believe that the existing maximum recruitment age limit of 21 years poses a constraint for candidates with a technical background.

In order to address this concern, discussions are underway to revise the maximum age limit, with considerations to raise it to 23 years. This adjustment would enable the inclusion of youth graduating from polytechnic institutions once the revised age limit is officially announced.

Besides, as part of the proposals “we are planning to increase the number of recruitment rallies so that deficiencies at the soldier’s levels could be filled. Else it would take years to complete and also would have functional and operational issues.”

The Agnipath scheme anticipates the induction of approximately 1.75 lakh youths by the year 2026. Back in June 2022, Lt Gen Anil Puri, who held the position of additional secretary in the Department of military affairs at the time, had stated that the number of Agniveers would reach 1.25 lakh in the near future.

“In the next 4-5 years, our intake (of soldiers) will be 50,000-60,000 and will increase to 90,000-1 lakh subsequently. We have started small at 46,000 to analyse the scheme... and to build up infrastructure capacity," Lt General Anil Puri had said.

In 2021, the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force faced a shortage of troops amounting to 1.18 lakh, 11,587, and 5,819, respectively, as reported to the Parliament. The Agnipath scheme, introduced on June 16 the previous year, experienced nationwide protests due to the provision of only 25 percent service and absorption.

Subsequently, the paramilitary forces announced their decision to induct 10 percent of retired Agniveers into their ranks. The primary objective of this scheme is to cultivate a younger, physically fit, and diverse profile within the armed forces to effectively tackle future challenges.

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