Agniveers' "Golden Opportunity": Second Tour of Duty Offers Higher Pay and Better Perks
Air Vice Marshal Shekhar Yadav calls the second tour of duty a golden opportunity for Agniveers with higher pay and better Seva Nidhi benefits.
Air Vice Marshal Shekhar Yadav, Senior Officer-in-Charge of Administration at the Headquarters Eastern Air Command, has hailed the provision of a second tour of duty as a "golden opportunity" for Agniveers. Speaking in Bagdogra, West Bengal, the officer highlighted how this extension would serve as a win-win for both the young personnel and the Indian Air Force by preserving trained talent and boosting operational readiness.
Extended Service and Enhanced Salary
Under the current framework, Agniveers who complete their initial four-year tenure are not necessarily exiting the service. They now have the option to enroll for an additional two-year tour of duty. This extension comes with a significant financial upgrade compared to their initial engagement.
While an Agniveer earns a monthly salary of Rs 40,000 in the fourth year of their first term, the second tour offers a higher fixed monthly pay:
- First year of second tour: Rs 43,500 per month
- Second year of second tour: Rs 47,500 per month
These amounts are fixed and are provided in addition to other applicable allowances.
A More Favorable Seva Nidhi Package
One of the most attractive aspects of the second tour is the revised contribution structure for the Seva Nidhi package. In the initial four-year term, the government and the Agniveer contributed equally (50% each) to the fund.
However, for those opting for the second tour, the burden on the individual is reduced. The Government of India will now contribute 70 per cent of the amount, while the Agniveer will contribute the remaining 30 per cent.
Air Vice Marshal Yadav noted that by the end of a total six-year service period, an Agniveer could accumulate approximately Rs 10-11 lakh in their tax-free Seva Nidhi package.
The Path to Regular Cadre
The transition from the Agnipath scheme to a permanent career in the armed forces has also been clarified. Currently, 25 per cent of Agniveers are eligible for enrollment into the regular Armed Forces based on merit after their first four years.
The remaining 75 per cent are offered the voluntary two-year extension. The most significant incentive for those who complete the full six years is the prospect of permanent employment. According to the Air Vice Marshal, after a total of six years of service, 100 per cent of those Agniveers will be given the opportunity to be recruited into the regular cadre, subject to the prescribed selection criteria.
"Service will retain trained manpower, make them further skilled and increase our operational efficiency. At the same time, Agniveer will get an enhanced pay package," said Air Vice Marshal Shekhar Yadav.