00:00I now want to get you what the government is talking about the changes in the Agniveer system.
00:07The centre says they've opened a new pathway for Agniveers to enter regular military service
00:14with 75% of Agniveers to get a two-year extension.
00:18So, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, he's thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi
00:21for the Agniveer extension decision, saying it will provide an opportunity
00:26for all willing Agniveers to enrol in regular service.
00:31He said the move aligns with defence reforms aimed at building a younger, fitter military
00:37and preparing India's armed forces for the changing nature of warfare.
00:43So, what exactly does the revised arrangement mean for Agniveers?
00:47Defence officials have actually given a detailed explanation,
00:51answering some of the questions about eligibility, absorption and respect and maintenance of seniority.
00:59So, let's break it down point by point.
01:01First, will all Agniveers have a chance to join the regular cadre of the army?
01:07The answer is yes.
01:09The new arrangement opens a pathway for all 100% of Agniveers to be absorbed into regular service.
01:17So, how will this work?
01:19The first 25% will be absorbed after completion of their first initial four-year engagement.
01:28The remaining 75% will get an additional two-year engagement period,
01:33after which, should they meet the criteria,
01:38they too will be considered for regular absorption.
01:42Is there a numerical cap on the second phase of absorption?
01:46The answer is no.
01:47Defence officials say there will be no numerical limit on how many of the remaining Agniveers can be absorbed.
01:55But what is this eligibility criteria that's being spoken of?
02:01One, willingness to continue.
02:04If you're willing to remain in the armed forces, then you have your standard chance.
02:11But then it's not just willingness.
02:13It's also physical fitness.
02:15You have to remain physically fit to be absorbed in the armed forces.
02:20And three, discipline.
02:22Discipline will be a key consideration.
02:25No vigilance charges, no indiscipline.
02:28Another very important aspect that's being raised is about seniority.
02:33Will your seniority be maintained?
02:36And government officials are clarifying that the remaining 75% will also not lose their seniority from the initial lot.
02:46Once absorbed, they will immediately be placed with their own batch mates who entered the regular cadre
02:53after the first four years of initial tour of duty.
02:57They will not be junior to the subsequent batches.
03:02And finally, has the Agnipat scheme been rolled back?
03:07The government's answer is an emphatic no.
03:10The scheme remains in place with an additional two-year engagement period introduced
03:16to create a wider pathway into regular military service.
