Agnipath Scheme being relaunched as Sainik Saman Scheme? Union Govt debunks viral WhatsApp message as fake

Agniveer Vayu trainees march past during their 'Combined Passing Out Parade' at Tambaram Air Force Station, in Chennai on Saturday. (ANI Photo) (Representative Image)

A WhatsApp message falsely claimsing that the Agnipath Scheme has been reintroduced as the ‘Sainik Saman Scheme’ with modifications is doing the rounds, prompting the PIB to come out with a clarification.

The PIB Fact Check debunked such a claim and called it “fake”. In a post on X, it wrote, “A #fake WhatsApp message claims that the Agnipath Scheme has been re-launched as 'Sainik Saman Scheme' after review with several changes including duty period being extended to 7 years, 60% permanent staff & increased income.”

It further added, “GOI has taken no such decision.”

Earlier on June 2, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan said that the implementation of the Agnipath scheme has been one of the major reforms towards maintaining a youthful profile of the three services.

In his address to the Agniveers, the CDS said the “implementation of the 'Agnipath scheme has been one of the major reforms towards maintaining a youthful profile in the services and nation building by providing skilled, disciplined and motivated youth,” the defence ministry said.

What is the Agnipath Scheme?

On 14 June 2022, the government rolled out the Agnipath recruitment scheme for short-term induction of personnel intending to bring down the age profile of the three services.

The Agnipath scheme provides for recruiting youths between the age bracket of 17-and-half years and 21 for four years, with a provision to retain 25 per cent of them for 15 more years.

Selected candidates under the scheme will be enrolled as Agniveers for a four years.

Based on organisational requirements and policies promulgated by the Armed Forces, Agniveers, who complete their engagement period, will be offered the opportunity to apply for enrolment in the permanent cadre.

Of these, up to 25% of Agniveers will be selected to be enrolled in the Armed Forces as regular cadre.

However, in February 2023, the Indian Army changed not only the eligibility criteria for Agniveers but also included pre-skilled youth and ITI/Polytechnic graduates in the technical category.

(With inputs from agencies)