Why in the News
The armed forces will provide lists of eligible Agniveers to CAPFs for recruitment under the 50% reservation for former Agniveers. The first batch of around 25,000 Army Agniveers is expected to exit by December.
What is Agnipath?
- Agniveers are recruited for a fixed 4-year tenure, including training.
- Up to 25% are retained in the regular armed forces based on merit and organisational requirements.
- The remaining 75% exit with a Seva Nidhi package.
- They do not receive pension or gratuity.
What are CAPFs?
- Central Armed Police Forces operate under the Ministry of Home Affairs, unlike the Armed Forces under the Ministry of Defence.
- They include: BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, SSB, Assam Rifles, and NSG
CAPF Recruitment for Former Agniveers
- 50% of Constable (GD) vacancies reserved for former Agniveers.
- Eligible personnel will be identified through lists furnished by the Armed Forces.
- Written examination, Physical Standard Test and Physical Efficiency Test are waived for former Agniveers.
- Remaining 50% vacancies are filled through open recruitment.
- Unfilled reserved vacancies are carried forward to open recruitment.
Why is it Important?
- The framework provides Agniveers a pathway to a longer career, as CAPF personnel can serve up to 60 years, compared with the shorter service period in the armed forces.
Key Concerns
- Eligibility depends on service-prepared lists, rather than direct application.
- Criteria for inclusion in these lists are not clearly specified.
- 50% of CAPF Constable GD vacancies are reserved.
- Former Agniveers enter at the entry grade without seniority/pay protection for military service.
- Different States have adopted different reservation and age-relaxation policies.
Prelims Quick Facts
- Agnipath tenure: 4 years
- Retention: Up to 25%
- Exit: Seva Nidhi, no pension/gratuity
- CAPF quota: 50% of Constable GD vacancies
- CAPFs: Under MHA
- Armed Forces: Under Ministry of Defence
- First Army Agniveer batch: About 25,000 expected to exit by December
“[2023] With reference to Home Guards, consider the following statements:
1. Home Guards are raised under the Home Guards Act and Rules of the Central Government.
2. The role of the Home Guards is to serve as an auxiliary force to the police in maintenance of internal security.
3. To prevent infiltration on the international border/coastal areas, the Border Wing Home Guards Battalions have been raised in some States.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
