Himanta Biswa Sarma Welcomes Two-Year Extension for Agniveers, Reaffirms Assam’s 12% Reservation

Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has welcomed the Union Cabinet’s decision to extend the service tenure of Agniveers by two years, praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi for prioritising soldiers’ welfare and national security. Under the revised Agnipath scheme, the 75% of Agniveers who are not selected for regular service after their initial four-year tenure will have the option to serve for another two years. Chief of Defence Staff General N. S. Raja Subramani clarified that willing personnel may subsequently be considered for regular enrolment in the armed forces, subject to prescribed selection criteria.

Meanwhile, Sarma reaffirmed that the Assam government’s 12% horizontal reservation for eligible former Agniveers would remain in place. The policy is intended to support those pursuing civilian careers after military service by providing employment opportunities in designated state government departments, including police, forest and prison services. The Chief Minister described the Central government’s decision as recognition of the dedication and capabilities demonstrated by the first batch of Agniveers.