Defence Ministry Allows Agniveer Women to Enlist in Air Force

According to the official statement released by the Department of Military Affairs (DMA) within the Defence Ministry, ‘In exercise of the powers conferred by section 12 of the Air Force Act, 1950 (45 of 1950), the Central Government hereby notifies, that females shall be eligible for enrolment in the Indian Air Force as Agniveervayu (Combatant) and Agniveervayu (Non-combatant), and on successful completion of the roles assigned, they shall be eligible for selection as Airmen and Non-Combatants (Enrolled) respectively in such streams or trades as per the requirement, qualification and other terms and conditions of service.’

Similar to Agniveers serving in other branches of the military, Agniveervayu members will join the Indian Air Force (IAF) for a duration of four years. Agniveervayu personnel will hold a unique rank within the IAF, separate from existing ranks, and only 25 percent of them will be retained after completing their tenure.

Nonetheless, there are certain similarities between Agniveervayus and other permanent-ranked officials. Similar to regular Air Force personnel, Agniveervayus will also fall under the jurisdiction of the Air Force Act, 1950, for a period of four years.

As per the Agnipath recruitment policy, individuals are enlisted as soldiers within the age range of 17.5 years to 21 years. After the selection process, the chosen candidates will undergo six months of training before being assigned to active duty for a duration of three and a half years.

Throughout this duration, Agniveers will receive a monthly remuneration of Rs 30,000, with the possibility of an upgrade to Rs 40,000 per month in the fourth year.

Last year, the implementation of the contentious Agnipath recruitment policy by the Central government led to incidents of violence in multiple states across India.