New Delhi: Agneepath or Agnipath Scheme was recently launched by the government in an effort to bring a change in the recruitment process of the Armed Forces. With the new military recruitment scheme facing backlash, Centre has decided to bring a change in the upper age limit for recruiting Agniveers.
Granting a one-time waiver, Centre on June 16th, 2022 announced that the Agniveer upper age limit for recruitments via Agnipath Scheme has been extended to 23 years from 21 years. Issuing an official statement on Agnipath Scheme, Defence Ministry said that the one-time waiver in the upper age limit has been granted as no recruitments have take in place in last two years.
Experts believe that the decision also comes at the backdrop of Agnipath-related protests that have been erupting in several parts of the country. Agnipath Scheme for recruitment to the Armed Forces aims at adding 46,000 soldiers to the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force (IAF).
Consequent to the launch of the scheme, the entry age for all recruits or Agniveers was fixed as 17 ½ – 21 years. Agneepath Scheme, since its launch, has completely divided various sections of the population. While some appreciated the scheme, others questioned the future of Agniveers after the set tenure of four years ends.