Defence Ministry video shows 'gruelling training of Agniveers' | WATCH

The defence ministry on Friday shared a video showing the intense training that the Agniveers have to undergo. The video's release comes amidst criticism from opposition parties, including the Congress, regarding the Agniveer scheme. 

Taking to social media, Defence Ministry Spokesperson offered a "glimpse into gruelling training of  Agniveers at INS Chilka". "They go through demanding exercises designed to test their physical prowess & mental fortitude. The training instilled vital skills making the Agniveers adept in every maritime challenge."

To recall, the central government had launched the Agnipath recruitment scheme in June 2022 to reduce the average age of personnel in the three military services. The scheme recruits young individuals between 17.5 and 21 years old for a four-year tenure, with the option to retain 25 per cent of them for an additional 15 years.

The Opposition has been slamming the Narendra Modi government over uncertainty surrounding the future of the majority (75%) of Agniveers after their initial four-year tenure expires, as only a quarter (25%) will be retained for an additional 15 years, leaving the remaining 75% without a clear career path or employment opportunities.

Amid the renewed scrutiny of the Agnipath recruitment scheme, the heads of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Border Security Force (BSF), and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) on July 11 announced that 10 per cent of their forces' soldier positions will be reserved for former Agniveers, in line with the Union home ministry's decision. 

The chiefs of the security forces praised the benefits of recruiting former Agniveers, citing their discipline, training, and experience.

 "They're trained soldiers, which is a boon for us," said BSF Director General Nitin Agrawal, adding, "We'll deploy them along the border after a short training." 

He further said that all security forces will benefit from recruiting former Agniveers, with 10 per cent of vacancies reserved for them and age relaxations of five years for the first batch and three years for subsequent batches.