Shortly after the center announced the launch of Agnipath, a recruiting plan for the armed forces, dozens of people across the country blocked streets and railroads in several states, asking the government to take back the plan. The scheme provides recruitment to young people aged 17.5 to 21 in the Indian Armed Forces, including the Army, Navy and Air Force, for a four-year term of office.
Now the All India Students Association (AISA) has called for a nationwide protest against the central government’s Agnipath plan. AISA is called for a protest on June 17. Meanwhile, opposition and defense veterans have also questioned the government’s intentions over the recruitment plan.
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Major General Gagan Deep Bakshi, who questions the move of the center, said:
Was stunned by the Agniveer plan. I initially thought it was a trial that was done on a pilot basis. this is a general change to transform the Indian Armed Forces into a quasi-conscript, short-lived force like the Chinese. for god’s sake don’t do it
— Major General (Dr)GD Bakshi SM,VSM(retd) (@GeneralBakshi) June 14, 2022
Another retired defense personnel said:
To me, the Agnipath scheme resembles a scheme for a newly launched security agency; insurance of contract for 4 years & renewal of contract for only 25%. How is Agnipath so different seen by serving & veterans for pros & cons!@narendramodi @rajnathsingh
— BN Sharma, IG (ret) (@BholaNath_BSF) June 15, 2022
While Congressman of Parliament (MP) Rahul Gandhi called it an “unsolicited” move, that too at a time when India is under threat on two fronts.
Gandhi tweeted: “When India faces threats on two fronts, the uncalled Agnipath plan reduces the operational effectiveness of our armed forces.”
The controversial defense recruitment reform has been approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security. The recruiting plan will go into effect immediately and the soldiers recruited under the scheme will be called Agniveers, as the Center has informed.
According to the plan, about 45,000 to 50,000 soldiers will be recruited annually, with most of them leaving the service in just four years. Of the total annual recruits, only 25 percent are allowed to remain in permanent employment for another 15 years. The move will make the permanent armed forces much leaner for the country’s more than 13 lakh armed forces.
Protests against the Center’s Agnipath recruitment program continued for a second day in various parts of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh on Thursday. The protesters have demanded the withdrawal of the army’s plan.
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