Indian Army Enrolls 1 Lakh Agniveers, CISF and BSF Offer Special Recruitment Benefits

Indian Army has enrolled 1 lakh Agniveers with 70,000 posted to units. For 2024-25, 50,000 more vacancies are open. CISF and BSF announced special recruitment benefits for Ex-Agniveers, including reserved posts and age relaxations.

On Sunday, Indian Army's Adjutant General Lt Gen C B Ponnappa announced the enrollment of one lakh Agniveers in the force, with around 70,000 of them already posted to various units. General Ponnappa highlighted that approximately 1 lakh Agniveers, including about 200 women, have been inducted since the scheme's inception in June 2022. He further added that 50,000 vacancies have been announced for the year 2024-25, and the recruitment process is underway.

General Ponnappa detailed the integration of Agniveers into the units, where they perform operational and professional duties akin to regular recruits. He emphasized that these Agniveers, who wear the same uniform, are fully assimilated and contributing effectively in their respective battalions. This cohort includes around 100 women police officers.

In a bid to empower Ex-Agniveers, the CISF and BSF have introduced notable recruitment benefits. CISF Director General Neena Singh revealed that 10% of constable posts are reserved for Ex-Agniveers, who will also receive relaxations in the Physical Efficiency Test and age criteria. Neena Singh asserted that this initiative aims to bolster CISF's operations with a dedicated and disciplined workforce while offering Ex-Agniveers the opportunity to continue their service in the security forces.

(With inputs from agencies.)