Centre amends Allocation of Business Rules; MHA to oversee career progression of ex-Agniveers

New Delhi [India] June 17 (ANI): The Government of India has amended the Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961 by issuing a Gazette notification on Tuesday.

The amendment officially entrusts the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) with the responsibility of coordinating and facilitating the career progression of Agniveers who exit the armed forces after their four-year tenure.

"In exercise of the powers conferred by clause (3) of article 77 of the Constitution, the President hereby makes the following rules further to amend the Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961," read the Gazette notification.

As per the notification, the MHA will act as the nodal ministry, working in close coordination with various Union Ministries, Departments, and state/Union Territory governments.

"In the Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961, in THE SECOND SCHEDULE, under the heading "MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (GRIH MANTRALAYA)", under the sub-heading "B. DEPARTMENT OF STATES (RAJYA VIBHAG)", after entry 18, the following entry shall be inserted, namely: - "19. Coordinating activities for further progression of Ex-Agniveers," mentioned the Gazette notification further.
According to sources, Under the Agnipath recruitment scheme, 75 per cent of Agniveers are required to leave the defence services after completing four years of duty. This amendment aims to facilitate the integration and future opportunities for individuals who have served in the armed forces under the Agnipath scheme.

On June 5, the Army Air Defence Centre, Gopalpur, witnessed a momentous occasion as the Passing Out Parade (POP) of the fifth batch of Agniveers was held.

The parade was reviewed by Brigadier Hemant Singh, Commandant of the Army Air Defence Centre, who congratulated the 401 Agniveers on successfully completing their rigorous training and taking their 'Antim Pag' (final step) towards joining the ranks of the Indian Army.
Prior to this, the Dogra Regimental Centre held the POP and attestation ceremony for the Fifth Agniveer Course on June 4 at the historic Jamedar Lala Parade Ground, according to a release.

A total of 402 Agniveers passed out and were attested to be sworn in as part of the Indian Army. The Agniveers underwent rigorous training for 31 weeks from November 1, 2024, to June 4, 2025.

This training included tactical and physical training, drill, weapon handling, field/battle craft, and endurance, turning them into professional soldiers. Team-building and Esprit-de-Corps were ingrained through various sports and professional competitions during the training. (ANI)