Agniveer Recruitment Quota Raised to 75% for Two Years, Cabinet Approves Major Changes

Under the revised arrangement, 75% of Agniveers will be eligible for selection into the armed forces after completing two years. However, their final selection will continue to be based on the prescribed military standards. The selected Agniveers will also receive higher payments during this period.

The announcement comes as the first batch of Agniveers is approaching the completion of its four-year service period. The revised provision marks a significant change from the earlier arrangement, under which only 25% of Agniveers were eligible to join the regular armed forces.

Apart from the Agniveer-related decision, the Union Cabinet has approved a grid-scale energy storage scheme and taken decisions concerning critical minerals, including their processing.

During the Cabinet briefing, Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted a major decision linked to the government's Clean Energy Mission.

"Several important decisions were taken at today's Cabinet meeting. First, I would like to inform you about a major decision related to our Clean Energy Mission. India has set new benchmarks through its performance in this sector and has gained recognition worldwide. Today, the Cabinet has approved a 92 GWh grid-scale energy storage scheme. Of this, 30 GWh will be allocated for battery storage and 60 GWh for pumped hydro storage. Special attention will be given to ensuring that the scheme is implemented across the country," Vaishnaw said.

The Cabinet also approved the expansion and strengthening of 850 fast-track courts. Announcing the decision, Vaishnaw said the initiative would help address cases involving child exploitation and rape.

He said the government was firmly committed to taking strict and decisive action whenever such threats or challenges emerged in society, whether involving atrocities against women or risks to the safety of the next generation.

The minister further stated that the government's approach would include the full utilisation of existing laws, introducing new legislation wherever necessary and ensuring more effective implementation of the legal framework.

With decisions covering Agniveer recruitment, energy storage, critical mineral processing and the expansion of fast-track courts, the Cabinet has approved measures spanning defence recruitment, clean energy infrastructure, mineral processing and the judicial response to crimes against women and children.