'Great for National Security': CLAWS DG Lt Gen Dushyant Singh Backs Agnipath Tenure Extension
CLAWS DG Lt Gen Dushyant Singh calls the Agnipath scheme extension a boost for national security and operational preparedness.
In a significant endorsement of India's military recruitment strategy, Lt Gen Dushyant Singh, Director General of the Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS), has hailed the Agnipath scheme tenure extension as a "beneficial proposal" that strengthens both national security and the operational readiness of the armed forces.
Speaking to ANI, Lt Gen Singh emphasized that the initiative is a win-win for the military establishment and the personnel involved. He described the scheme as a solid foundation for enhancing the performance of the Armed Forces while offering valuable opportunities to the Agniveers themselves.
Expanding the Horizon: Beyond the 25% Retention
One of the most critical aspects of the discussion centered on how Agniveers will be retained. While the original framework of the Agnipath scheme mandates the retention of 25 per cent of the recruits as regular soldiers, sailors, or airmen, Lt Gen Singh highlighted a new dimension for the remaining 75 per cent.
According to the Director General, those who would have otherwise left the service will now be given the option to extend their tenure. However, he was clear that this is not a blanket extension, but one based on specific merit-based criteria:
- Willingness: As India maintains a volunteer-based force rather than a conscription army, the choice to stay remains with the individual.
- Discipline: A clean record of conduct is essential for extension.
- Medical Fitness: Personnel must be in "shape one" to continue serving.
The Roadmap for Extension and Seniority
Lt Gen Singh detailed the rigorous review process that will determine who qualifies for an extension. He noted that every soldier undergoes an annual medical examination and a Battle Physical Efficiency Test (BPT), alongside other physical proficiency tests.
Soldiers who consistently meet these annual benchmarks will be granted a two-year extension. A key highlight of this proposal is the preservation of the soldier's professional standing. Lt Gen Singh stated that those who extend their service will maintain their seniority and pension parity with their original batch, ensuring they are not disadvantaged by the extension.
"Once those two years are up, they'll be given the option to decide whether they want to continue or not... Their seniority will be maintained with their batch. Their pension will also stay exactly the same with their batch," Lt Gen Singh explained.
The Path Toward Gender Integration
Beyond the Agnipath scheme, Lt Gen Singh also addressed the evolving role of women in the Indian Armed Forces. He noted that gender integration is being implemented in a phased and structured manner to avoid administrative hurdles.
He pointed out that the Air Force has already commissioned female pilots, while the Army has begun with the Military Police, where female battalions are already performing well. He expressed confidence that these opportunities would gradually expand to other ranks.
Concluding with a powerful metaphor on the synergy of gender integration, Lt Gen Singh remarked that combining the unique strengths of both men and women would make the nation invincible. He stated that when "Durga's power and Shankar's strike come together," no one would be able to challenge India.