Agniveers Would Have To Walk The “Agnipath” Of Four Years Of Celibacy Before They Could Apply For Regular Army Jobs

Here’s something that Agnivesers training to join the Indian Army for a four-year stint would never have expected or been ready for. It is safe to say that Agniveers who get married during their four-year service won’t be able to join the Indian Army as regular soldiers.

About two weeks ago, the Indian Army held a meeting to talk about the future of Agniveers. An official from the Indian Army told Asianet Newsable that the meeting took place earlier this month and that a clause like this was discussed and confirmed.

The official said, “Only single Agniveer will be enlisted as permanent soldiers.”

The Indian Army put out a notice saying that only 25% of Agniveers will be considered for re-enlistment as regular soldiers.

“…the Agniveers must promise not to get married during the four-year engagement period. Those who get married during that time would not have to serve anymore. Also, only unmarried Agniveer will be able to re-enlist as a sepoy in the regular cadre…,” said a recent notice.

Soldiers in rural areas often get married within a few years of joining the army.

“Before the Agnipath Scheme was announced, we were very excited about the jobs in the defense sector. Since we want to help my country on the borders, we also try to cheer ourselves up and get ready for the Agnipath scheme. Now, there is a new requirement: you must not get married while you are in the service. Amit Kumar, an Agniveer candidate from Patna, told Asianet Newsable, “We don’t understand why we have to do such stupid things.”

The candidates for Agniveer would also have to swear in front of a notary that they won’t get married while they are in the force. At the moment, people between the ages of 17.5 and 21 can be chosen for the Agnipath scheme for a four-year term.