[6] Prior to the introduction of the scheme, soldiers were recruited into the armed forces on a 15+ year tenure with lifelong pension.
Meanwhile 50,000 to 60,000 soldiers continued to retire annually, leading to a personnel shortage that had begun to affect the operational capabilities of the armed forces.
[8][9] In 2020 a 'Tour of duty' scheme was proposed for voluntary recruitment into the forces for civilians to enable them to join for three years of short service.
[19] Personnel who retire after 4 years of service will not be eligible for pension, but will receive a lump sum amount of approximately ₹11.71 lakh at the end of tenure.
[26][27] On 26 July 2024, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced 10% reservation and a 5-year age relaxation for Agniveers in the state's uniformed services.
The main causes of concern were the short length of service, no pension provisions for those released early, and the 17.5 to 21-year age restriction.
[58] Data from Director General Resettlement, Government of India - the nodal body responsible for rehabilitating retired military personnel, shows that states, Central public sector units, including defence PSUs, and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) have failed to recruit against the vacancies reserved for veterans.
For instance, the Indian Railways, one of the world's largest employers, could only fill 1.4 per cent (16,264 out of the 1.15 million) positions reserved for retired personnel of the armed forces.
[65][66] The mobs of young protesters went on a rampage and set fire to trains and other property after which Bihar government ordered internet shutdowns in 18 districts.
[67] Among the states, the worst incidents of violence occurred in Bihar, where the protesters set trains on fire, vandalised railway stations, and attacked BJP leaders' offices, homes, and cars.
He also said that five trains, 60 coaches and 11 engines have been burnt, railway is preparing a full report for the damage caused to property.
Congress leader Kanhaiya Kumar called the new military recruitment scheme, "a scam" but added that the protests against it should be peaceful.
[79] On 20 June, a country wide strike named Bharat Bandh was called by the protesting organisations demanding a roll back of the scheme.
[82] In Karnataka, holiday was announced for 75 educational institutions on the wake Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the state.
[85][86] In Jammu and Kashmir, Aam Aadmi Party leader Mehraj Malik put under house arrest.
The Bihar Police deployed Sashastra Seema Bal personnel at the offices of BJP to prevent any untoward incidents.
[108] Sharma alleged that the government has quashed the century-old selection process for the Armed forces which is contrary to the constitutional provisions and without having parliamentary approval.
A plea, filed in the apex court by Advocate M. L. Sharma, has sought to quash the 14 June notification/press note claiming it to be illegal and unconstitutional.
[109] The plea has also sought directions to the Centre and Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Bihar, Haryana, and Rajasthan governments to submit a status report on the violent protests.
[109] It has sought a direction to set up an expert committee under the chairmanship of a retired apex court judge to examine the scheme and its impact on national security and Army.
[109][111] On 6 July, a fresh plea was filed in the Supreme Court by ex-servicemen Ravindra Singh Shekhawat.
He has sought quashing of notification issued by the Ministry of Defence, contending it as illegal, unconstitutional, and ultra vires to the rights guaranteed under the Constitution.
He said, "The recently launched scheme has received skepticism nationwide from the armed forces aspirants and has left several questions unanswered.
[112] On the same day, a petition was also moved before the Delhi High Court by various candidates shortlisted as Airmen in Indian Air Force seeking issuance of enrolment list and completion of previous recruitment as per a 2019 notification, without being affected by Centre's new Agnipath recruitment scheme for armed forces.
The Agniveers will be divided in to four disciplines- drivers, gunners, radio operators and technical assistants, on the basis of their aptitude and skill.
[114] The state of the art Agniveer Training Facility located at Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry(JAKLI) Regiment Center, Dhansal of Udhampur district was visited by General Officer Commanding-in- Chief (GOC-in-C) Northern Command, to review the preparedness and arrangement for the first batch.
[118] 25% of Agniveers will be retained by the Indian Army at the end of a four-year tour of duty (ToD) to serve out their full tenure of 17 more years, while the remaining will be relieved.
[128] On 1 January 2023, a 31-week systemised training for first batch of 2,264 personnel below officer rank (PBOR) recruited as Agniveers commenced at the Golconda Artillery Centre in Hyderabad.
These Agniveers will get the opportunity to serve as Gunners (Topchi), Technical Assistants, Radio Operators and Motor Drivers in Indian Army.
It is also expected of the staff to respond to different aspects of training and the influence of competition for permanent absorption in the Army on the overall mindset of the Agniveers.