Congress Vows to Abolish ‘Agnipath’ Scheme Amid Allegations of Injustice and Security Concerns
Congress Highlights 'Gross Injustice' in Scrapping Regular Recruitment, Calls for Review of 'Agnipath' Initiative
New Delhi, 26-02-2024 : The Congress Party, in a firm stance announced on Monday, pledged to dismantle the ‘Agnipath’ military recruitment scheme if entrusted with power at the Centre, alleging that the initiative would yield no substantial benefits beyond mere cost-saving measures for the government. Speaking at a press conference held at the AICC headquarters in Delhi, Congress general secretary Sachin Pilot articulated the party’s position, emphasizing the potential for implementing modernization reforms within the armed forces under the existing framework.
Expressing skepticism towards the Agnipath program, Pilot underscored the Congress’s commitment to reverting to the previous recruitment system upon assuming office. He criticized the government’s prioritization of fiscal savings over the nation’s security, particularly highlighting substantial expenditures on non-essential projects such as the G-20 summit, the prime minister’s aircraft, the Central Vista Project, and government advertisements.
Moreover, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge addressed a letter to President Droupadi Murmu, shedding light on the perceived injustices inflicted upon nearly two lakh aspiring candidates due to the abrupt termination of the regular armed forces recruitment process. Kharge highlighted the plight of these individuals who had undergone rigorous selection procedures, only to have their aspirations dashed by the implementation of the Agnipath Scheme.
Citing concerns raised by former Chief of Army Staff General M.M. Naravane, Kharge criticized the hasty implementation of Agnipath, which reportedly caught the armed forces off guard. He further lambasted the scheme’s discriminatory nature, pointing out disparities in emoluments, benefits, and career prospects among parallel cadres of soldiers performing similar duties.
Kharge also underscored apprehensions regarding the scheme’s potential to disrupt social stability, with a significant proportion of recruits facing uncertain job prospects upon completion of their four-year service tenure. In a show of solidarity with the affected candidates, Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra voiced support for their cause, lauding their patriotism and dedication to service.
