New Delhi: Government unveiled a new scheme called "Agnipath" on Tuesday for the recruitment of soldiers in the Army, the Navy and the Air Force.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced the new scheme at a media briefing.
"The Agnipath recruitment scheme is a transformative initiative that will provide a youthful profile to the armed forces," Singh said.
The "Agnipath" scheme, earlier christened as "Tour of Duty", was launched in the presence of the chiefs of the three services.
The scheme is initially for a period of four years but some of them would be retained too.
The soldiers to be recruited under the scheme will be called "Agniveer".
Lt Gen Anil Puri, Additional Secretary, Dept of Military Affairs said, "On completion of four years, Agniveers will get an opportunity to apply voluntarily for regular cadre. Based on merit and organisational requirement, up to 25 percent shall be selected from that batch."
Under the scheme, there will be pan India merit-based recruitment. Four years of tenure includes training period also.
Women will also be inducted into armed forces under Agnipath scheme.
Men and women aged 17.5 to 21 years are allowed to apply.
Currently, the Army recruits young people under the short service commission for an initial tenure of 10 years, which is extendable up to 14 years.
The scheme is aimed at slashing the salary and pension bills of the three services, which have been increasing rapidly.
