As several states witnessed protests against the Agnipath scheme, the Centre on Thursday (June 16) issued a fact sheet to clarify ‘myths’ against the armed forces recruitment scheme. On Tuesday, the Center had unveiled the “transformative” Agnipath scheme under which as many as 46,000 soldiers between the age group of 17 and a half years and 21 years will be hired this year into the three defence services. The Agnipath scheme aims to recruit soldiers–Agniveers– in the Army, Navy and the Air Force mainly on a four-year short-term contractual basis.
The Central government said that opportunities for the youth will increase with Agnipath recruitment.
“In the coming years, the recruitment for Agniveers in the Armed forces will be around three times the current recruitment,” the government said.
Further, the Modi government said that the regimental bonding will not be affected as no change is being initiated to the Regimental system. It added that the bonding will be “accentuated because the best of Agniveers will be selected, further boosting the cohesiveness of the unit.”
Agnipath recruitment scheme to harm ‘effectiveness’ of Armed Forces? Centre clarifies
The Centre said that such a short-term enlistment system exists in several countries and hence is already tested out, adding that it has been considered “best practice for the youthful and agile army”.
“The numbers of Agniveers to be recruited in the first year would only make up three per cent of the armed forces. Additionally, the performance of the Agniveers will be tested before re-induction in the army after four years. Hence, Army will get only the tested and tried, and well-trained personnel for the supervisory ranks,” the MHA said.
Protests against Agnipath scheme
21-year-old youth immature for Armed forces? The MHA said most armies around the world depend upon their nation’s youth. “At no point in time will there be more youngsters than experienced people. The present scheme will only bring about a right mix of 50-50, slowly in a very long run, of youngsters and experienced supervisory ranks,” the MHA said.
Agniveers will be a danger to society ? Centre bashes myth
The Centre dispelled the rumour that Agniveer soldiers will be a “danger to the society and will make the youth join terrorist groups”. Calling the rumour an “insult to the ethos and values of the Indian Armed Forces”, “Youngsters who have worn the uniform for four years will remain committed to the country for the rest of their lives. Even now, thousands who exited the armed forces have retired with skills and there has been no instance of them joining anti-national forces.”
Armed force officers not consulted on Agnipath scheme?
The MHA said extensive consultation was held with the serving armed forces officer for the last two years, before the Agnipath scheme was implemented. The government said Agnipath scheme has been formed by the Department of Military Officers staffed by Military officers. “Many former officers have recognized the advantages of the scheme and have welcomed it,” the MHA said.
