New Delhi

BrahMos Aerospace has become the first company in the country to announce reservations for Agniveers under the Agnipath Scheme. BrahMos Aerospace is a joint venture between India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia's NPO Mashinostroyenia. The company was established in 1998 and is headquartered in New Delhi, India. India holds a 70% stake in the company.

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According to the new policy, at least 15% of technical and general vacancies within BrahMos Aerospace will be filled by Agniveers. While 50% of vacancies in administrative and security roles, including outsourced functions, will be reserved for Agniveers. The company will ask its industry partners to allocate 15% of their workforce to Agniveers for roles that meet the requirements of BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited (BAPL). The reservation is also for contractual jobs up to 15%.

Dr Sanjeev Kumar Joshi, Deputy CEO, of BrahMos Aerospace said, "Agniveers, after four years of service in the armed forces, will emerge with a deep sense of discipline and nationalism, alongside expertise in their respective fields. This skill set is exactly what we need to mould them according to the requirements of BAPL. The Agnipath scheme serves as a valuable filter, ensuring that individuals possess the requisite skills to join our workforce."

The development increases the opportunity for Agniveers and aims to integrate them into civilian careers.

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Dr Joshi further emphasised the need for a more dedicated and professional workforce in key roles and the scheme can provide that. He explained, "After the Agnipath scheme, the same can be ensured by reserving the contracts to companies fulfilling the 50% Agniveer criteria. I am sure this aspect of the government's Agnipath scheme will be helpful to other corporate houses and other defence industries."

The Agniveer Scheme was introduced by the Indian government in June 2022 with a focus on the creation of a youthful and agile military force. Under the scheme, young Indians aged between 17.5 and 21 years are enrolled for a time frame of four years.

After this period, 25% are expected to be retained in a regular cadre based on performance, organisational needs, and other criteria. Agniveers exiting after four years are given preference in various government jobs, including police forces, CAPFs, and other related services.