(a) whether the Government has decided to increase the lower age limit of
recruitment of Jawans;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) if not, whether there has been pressure from international organisations to raise
the age limit; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI PRANAB MUKHERJEE)
(a) & (b): Yes, Sir. The minimum age for recruitment in the Army, till date was
16 years which has been enhanced to 17 years and six months, effective from August,
2004. There is no change in the upper age limit which is 25 years.
(c) & (d): Keeping in view the decision of the State Parties to the UN Protocol on
`Convention of the Rights of the Child` of which Government of India is a
member, it has been decided to raise the minimum age for recruitment of Jawans.