Indian govt increases upper-age limit to 23 for recruitment under 'Agnipath' scheme for 2022

Amid nationwide protests, the Indian government on Thursday (June 16) has raised the age limit for the 'Agnipath' military recruitment scheme to 23 from 21.

In a statement, the country's defence ministry noted that the government has granted a one-time waiver in the upper age limit for the 'Agnipath' scheme. The ministry further said that the decision has been taken as no recruitment had taken place in the last two years.

In a release, the government said: "​Cognizant of the fact that it has not been possible to undertake the recruitment during the last two years, the Government has decided that a one-time waiver shall be granted for the proposed recruitment cycle for 2022."

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Protests erupted in various parts of the country after some aspirants for the armed forces are unhappy with the changes introduced under the new recruitment scheme.

Concerns were raised over the length of service, no pension provisions for those released early and the previously said 17.5 to 21-year age restriction.

On Tuesday, the Union Cabinet approved the Agnipath recruitment scheme which provides an opportunity for Indian youth to serve in the regular cadre of the Armed Forces for a period of four years. Soldiers who are recruited under this scheme will be known as Agniveers.

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