Government Announces Major Changes for Agniveers: Relaxations in Recruitment and Physical Tests, Reservations in Paramilitary Forces

Agniveer Scheme Announcement:
The Agniveer Scheme, launched in June 2022, has been a topic of continuous debate, with opposition parties like Congress demanding its cancellation. Amidst this ongoing controversy, the Indian government has made a significant announcement regarding the scheme.

Reservation in Paramilitary Forces:
On Thursday, the Ministry of Home Affairs declared that 10% of the constable positions in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) will be reserved for former Agniveers. Additionally, there will be relaxations in the physical tests for the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).

Statements from CISF and BSF Heads:
CISF Director General Neena Singh and Border Security Force (BSF) Director General Nitin Agarwal stated that, in line with the Ministry’s decision, their forces will reserve 10% of the constable posts for ex-Agniveers.

Continued Debate Over the Agnipath Scheme:
This announcement comes at a time when new debates have emerged regarding the Agnipath recruitment scheme for the short-term enlistment of personnel in the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Job Reservation and Age Relaxation:
Neena Singh confirmed that the CISF is preparing the recruitment process for former Agniveers. Moving forward, 10% of all constable appointments will be reserved for ex-Agniveers. There will also be age relaxations: five years for the first batch and three years for subsequent batches.

Benefits to CISF:
Singh emphasized that the physical exam relaxations and age limits will benefit ex-Agniveers, ensuring they can join the CISF, which will gain trained and disciplined personnel.

Background of Agnipath Scheme:
The Agnipath Scheme was initiated in June 2022 to recruit youths aged 17 to 21 for a four-year term in the armed forces, with 25% of them eligible to continue for an additional 15 years. The upper age limit was later increased to 23 years.

Opposition Demands:
Opposition parties, including Congress, have criticized the scheme, questioning the future of the 75% of Agniveers who will not be retained after four years. Several central government agencies and departments have already announced plans to recruit former Agniveers.

BSF’s Take on Agniveers:
BSF Director General Nitin Agarwal highlighted the benefits of recruiting Agniveers, who bring four years of experience and disciplined training. He stated that these trained personnel would be deployed at the borders after a brief period of additional training.

Overall Benefits to Security Forces:
Agarwal noted that all security forces would benefit from the