While talks were already on to reassess the Agnipath Scheme, introduced in June 2022, following the success of Operation Sindoor, Agniveers could soon get another reason to rejoice. The Department of Military Affairs (DMA), headed by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, is reviewing a proposal that could significantly strengthen the Agnipath recruitment framework.
According to defence sources, the proposal focuses on three key enhancements, which include lifetime financial support to families in case an Agniveer dies in the line of duty; lifelong medical cover for Agniveers disabled during service; and a substantial increase in the number of personnel retained after four years.
A decision is expected soon as the first batch of Agniveers completes its four-year tenure in October 2026.
More Agniveers to become permanent soldiers?
Earlier this year, it had emerged that talks are on to and increase the retention of Agniveers in the armed forces. Current rules state that 25% of the Agniveers will get retained in the armed forces after their 4-year tenure. However, discussions are on to hike it to up to 70-75% in some departments.
Now, one of the most consequential recommendations of the latest proposal is the push to raise the retention ceiling. Currently, the scheme allows only 25% of each batch to be absorbed into regular service. The armed forces, however, have urged the government to increase retention to 50% across all arms, raise it to 60% for technical arms, according to a report in The Tribune.
This request aligns with the military’s growing dependence on advanced technologies, ranging from UAV operations, intelligence analysis, radar monitoring, and rapid-response air defence actions such as those seen in Operation Sindoor. Retaining more trained personnel, the services argue, is critical for maintaining operational readiness.
What new support may families of fallen Agniveers receive?
In a first-of-its-kind move, the DMA is considering a lifetime subsistence allowance for families of Agniveers who die in the line of duty. Since Agniveers are not permitted to marry during service, the provision focuses on dependent parents and next of kin.
This proposal echoes a 2023 Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence recommendation that families of fallen Agniveers be provided benefits comparable to those of regular soldiers, something which is currently absent, as the scheme does not include pension provisions for families.
Will disabled Agniveers get full lifetime medical care?
Another significant reform under examination is extending lifetime medical treatment and disability benefits to Agniveers injured while serving. This would bring them on par with regular soldiers who are entitled to lifelong medical cover and disability allowances.
If approved, the measure would address one of the major concerns raised during the scheme’s rollout, which is long-term care for service-related injuries.
If the proposed reforms are cleared, they could dramatically strengthen the scheme’s appeal by providing better career stability, enhanced welfare and family protections, coupled with a robust post-service support for injuries. For thousands of Agniveers preparing to complete their tenure next year, this could be the most reassuring signal yet that the government is gearing up to refine the model.