“Approx 1 lakh Agniveers enrolled in Army, 70,000 already posted in units”: AG Lt Gen CB Ponappa

New Delhi [India], July 21 (ANI): Indian Army’s Adjutant General Lt Gen C B Ponnappa on Sunday said that that one lakh Agniveers have been enrolled in the force till now and around 70,000 of them have been posted to the units.

General Ponappa also mentioned that in the year 2024-25, around 50,000 vacancies have been released and the recruitment process is ongoing.

“Since June 2022, the scheme was launched and then we had the first batch that was recruited and enrolled, in December 2022-January 2023. Approximately, 1 lakh Agniveers have been enrolled in the Army. This also includes around 200 women, approximately 70,000 have already been dispatched to the units and are performing extremely well in the battalions. This includes around 100 women police also,” he said.

“Around 50,000 vacancies have been released, in this year 2024-25. The recruitment process is ongoing. They are undertaking all the actions- operational and other professional duties just like any other sepoys or sepoys recruits on the ground. They are completely integrated and assimilated into the units. They wear the same uniform and perform the same duty,” General Channira Bansi Ponnappa added.

Earlier, in a significant move aimed at empowering Ex-Agniveers, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and Border Security Force (BSF) announced special recruitment benefits for them.

CISF Director General, Neena Singh stated that the CISF has made all arrangements to recruit Ex-Agniveers.

“CISF has made all arrangements to recruit Ex-Agniveers. Ten percent of constable posts have been reserved for them and they will also be given relaxation in the Physical Efficiency Test,” CISF Director General, Neena Singh said.

“There is also relaxation in age, there is a five-year relaxation in age for the first batch and three years of age relaxation afterward. Recruitment of Ex-Agniveers will benefit CISF as it will get the capable, dedicated and disciplined workforce, which will further enhance the efficiency of its operations, while Ex-Agniveers will also get an opportunity to serve in CISF,” Neena Singh said.