Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will meet and interact with Indian Army personnel at Bagdogra Airfield in Darjeeling and Sukna in Siliguri on November 7, the eve of Diwali.
Singh said he would also visit the Sherathang War Memorial in Sikkim on November 8, Diwali, to pay tribute to soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation. During the visit, he will meet personnel deployed in the region.
In a social media post, the Defence Minister said his Diwali programme would include interaction with troops stationed at Bagdogra Airfield and Sukna, followed by the memorial visit in Sikkim the next day.
The engagements come days after the Union Cabinet approved an additional two-year ‘Second Tour of Duty’ for Agniveers recruited under the Agnipath scheme. The decision was announced by Singh on November 4 after a Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Singh thanked the Prime Minister for approving the extended service opportunity, saying it would allow Agniveers to continue serving in the Armed Forces beyond their initial tenure.
The provision will also allow willing Agniveers to be enrolled as regular soldiers after completing their prescribed four or six years of service, provided they meet the applicable selection criteria. The additional two-year tour is intended to give eligible personnel another opportunity to remain associated with the Armed Forces.
Describing the decision as part of long-term structural reforms, the Defence Minister said the measures are aimed at strengthening India’s defence forces. He stressed the need for a younger, fitter and technologically equipped military capable of responding to emerging security challenges and adapting to changes in the nature of warfare.
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