Rajnath Singh unveils Agnipath, the new recruitment scheme for armed forces

The central government on Tuesday announced a recruitment scheme under which soldiers will be recruited for four-year service periods, after which a quarter will be brought into regular service. 

The scheme has been named Agnipath and the youth selected under the scheme will be known as 'Agniveers'.

The recruitment process for personnel below officer rank between the ages of 17-and-a-half to 21 years will reportedly begin in the next three months.

"The scheme will increase employment opportunities and aim to create a youthful profile of the armed forces. 

The 'Agniveers' will be given a good pay package and an exit retirement package after four years of service," Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said at a press conference after a Union Cabinet meeting.