The chief of defence staff announced the Cabinet-approved changes on 4 November, under which those not selected for regular service after four years would receive a two-year extension. At the end of six years, they would be considered for permanent recruitment, subject to the prescribed selection criteria, Chaudhry said.
The Congress leader also claimed that more than 40 Agniveers had died by suicide, attributing the deaths to distress arising from the scheme, discrimination and service conditions. “We saw very few such cases during our service, but what is happening now is tragic. Actually, the Modi government has become scared because of the elections, so it is now talking about extending the Agniveer scheme by two years,” he said.
Questioning why the government had opted for an extension rather than regular recruitment, Chaudhry asked: “But the question is ā€” why only a two-year extension, why not make it permanent?”
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