New Delhi, 03-03-2024 : The Agnipath scheme has come under fire from the Congress, which alleges that it has not only “compromised” national security but has also “severely disrupted” the recruitment processes of the armed forces in India. This criticism follows an interaction between party leader Rahul Gandhi and various stakeholders, including ex-servicemen, potential Agniveer recruits, and youth affected by the scheme, during the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in Madhya Pradesh.
According to Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh, who shared details of the interaction, the Agnipath scheme has raised concerns among ex-servicemen, who believe it undermines national security by demoralizing the armed forces and hastening training for servicemen within a short span of six months. Additionally, potential Agniveer recruits are reportedly dissatisfied due to the perceived loss of prestige and economic security resulting from the scheme.
Furthermore, Ramesh highlights the plight of approximately 1.5 lakh youths who have completed all necessary formalities for regular recruitment into the armed forces but have been left unrecruited due to the abrupt introduction of the Agnipath scheme.
Critics argue that the Agnipath scheme, as currently structured, is detrimental in multiple aspects and constitutes an “anyay” or injustice to both servicemen and youth aspiring to join the armed forces. They note ongoing protests by ex-servicemen and Agniveer recruits against the government’s policies, including demonstrations in Delhi and a padayatra from Champaran in Bihar to New Delhi.
Ramesh further emphasizes that the Agnipath scheme was implemented without adequate discussion or consultation, as revealed by the former Chief of Army Staff in his memoir. In response to these concerns, Rahul Gandhi has pledged to conduct a comprehensive review of the scheme and make necessary amendments.
The Agnipath scheme, introduced to recruit youths aged between 17-and-a-half and 21 years for a four-year term with the option to retain 25 percent of them for an additional 15 years, remains contentious amid ongoing debates over its impact on national security and armed forces recruitment processes.