Agnipath Scheme: Age limit for 2022 recruitment increased to 23 years
Government grants a one-time waiver for the proposed recruitment cycle for 2022.
FollowTaking cognizance of the fact that it has not been possible to undertake the recruitment during the last two years, the Government has decided that a one-time waiver shall be granted for the proposed recruitment cycle for 2022. Accordingly, the upper age limit for the recruitment process for the Agnipath scheme for 2022 is increased to 23 years.
The announcement from the defence ministry comes moments after Asianet Newsable reported exclusively that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had been given the authority to modify the terms of the ambitious scheme without seeking a cabinet nod.
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Sources in the defence establishment had told Asianet Newsable that the ministry had been given the mandate that it is not required to move the files to Cabinet for any changes that the Services would suggest.
The government decision comes in the backdrop of widespread protests in many parts of northern India over the new recruitment scheme for the armed forces. The new scheme, which was announced two days ago, seeks to induct youths into the armed forces for a four-year tenure with a fixed salary of Rs 30,000-40,000. The youth recruited through this scheme will be known as 'Agniveers'.
To dispel concerns among many who have been concerned about what happens to the Agniveers after they complete their four-year tenure, the government launched an awareness campaign.
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After completion of four years, up to 25 per cent of them will be retained for permanent jobs. The remaining, according to the government, will be eligible for a financial package of about Rs 12 lakh if they wish to be entrepreneurs. If they want to study further, the government has assured them that they would be given priority under bank loan schemes. A Class 12 equivalent certificate and bridging course of choice will be facilitated for further studies.
For those looking for employment, the government has assured that Agniveers would be given priority in the recruitment process for Central Armed Police Forces, Assam Rifles and police and allied forces in several states.
At the same time, the government also claimed that major companies in sectors like Information Technology, security and engineering have announced that they would prefer to hire a skilled and disciplined Agniveer.
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