Agniveer Scheme Review, Critical Minerals Push, Rs 4,371 Cr Statistical RevampThe central government and the armed forces are actively reviewing the Agnipath scheme as the first batch of Agniveers approaches the completion of their four-year service tenure. Sources indicate that the government is considering a two-year extension option for select Agniveers who are not initially absorbed into the permanent cadre, alongside commitments from Central Armed Police Forces and state police forces to recruit exiting personnel.
Under existing rules, 25 percent of Agniveers are retained while the remainder receive a Seva Nidhi exit package. Meanwhile, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw briefed the media on key Cabinet decisions, announcing an approved scheme for the processing of 24 defined critical minerals, covering both mined and recycled raw materials to aid domestic manufacturing sectors like semiconductors, electronics, and defence.
Vaishnaw also unveiled a 4,371 crore rupee scheme approved to overhaul and modernise the country's statistical system, establishing an objective, data-driven approach across infrastructure, economic, and social sectors.