Agniveer Salary Update: Two-Year Extension and New Compensation Details
Agniveer Salary Overview
Agniveer Salary: The central government has announced a two-year extension for the initial cohort of Agniveers, allowing 75% of them to serve for six years instead of the previously set four. This decision was revealed by CDS General NS Raja Subramani during a press briefing, where he highlighted the positive aspects of the Agniveer scheme. He also mentioned that Agniveers will receive skill certificates upon their discharge.
The government refers to this two-year extension as a "second tour of duty." A pressing question now is regarding the salary structure for these Agniveers during this extension period and the *Seva Nidhi* (retirement fund) they will receive after six years. The original guidelines for the *Agnipath* scheme, released in 2022, only detailed the salary and *Seva Nidhi* for a four-year term.
Salary Structure for Extended Service
Under the *Agnipath* scheme, 30% of the Agniveers' salary is deducted. This deducted amount accumulates over the four years, with the government matching this contribution. The total amount, which includes both the deductions and the government’s contribution, is referred to as the *Seva Nidhi*. Over four years, the total accumulated in the *Seva Nidhi* from the Agniveers' salaries is ₹11.71 lakh, with the government contributing an equal amount upon their discharge. Furthermore, each Agniveer is provided with a life insurance coverage of ₹48 lakh.
Monthly Salary Breakdown
| Year | Monthly Package | Deduction (30%) | In-hand |
|---|---|---|---|
| First | 30,000 | 9,000 | 21,000 |
| Second | 33,000 | 9,900 | 23,100 |
| Third | 36,500 | 10,950 | 25,550 |
| Fourth | 40,000 | 12,000 | 28,000 |
According to CDS General NS Raja Subramani, Agniveers will see an increase in their salary during the two-year extension. They will earn ₹43,500 monthly in the fifth year and around ₹47,500 in the sixth year. Additionally, they will benefit from an enhanced 'Sevanidhi' package. The calculation for this package during the extension will differ from the initial four-year period, with the government contributing 70% more than the amount deducted from the Agniveers' salaries. In contrast, the current scheme operates on a 50-50 contribution ratio.