New Delhi, Nov. 4 -- The Union Cabinet's approval of a two-year 'Second Tour of Duty' for Agniveers under the Agnipath scheme has triggered a political debate, with the BJP welcoming the decision as a major step towards strengthening the armed forces, while Opposition parties have questioned its timing and raised concerns over the long-term employment prospects of recruits.

The revised arrangement allows 25 per cent of Agniveers to be enrolled into the regular Armed Forces on merit after their initial four-year tenure. The remaining 75 per cent will be offered an additional two-year engagement period on a voluntary basis. At the end of six years, those willing to continue will be considered for regular enrolment, subject to prescribed se...