India, Nov. 6 -- Defence secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh on Thursday called the revised Agniveer scheme a "win-win solution", in response to a Cabinet decision allowing recruits a second two-year engagement period.

"You can also call it a Diwali gift," Singh said, speaking a day after the Cabinet cleared the change on Wednesday. He said the performance of Agniveers, including in various operations, had prompted the decision to offer them a second term.

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General NS Raja Subramani on Wednesday announced that Union Cabinet approved a two-year extension of service for Agniveers.

"... 25% of those [Agniveers] who complete their initial four-year engagement period will be enrolled as regular soldiers. Regarding the r...