While Union ministers and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led government at the centre, calls the Agneepath scheme a “revolutionary” policy. But many feel that it would lead to a crisis. The government says that the scheme is for a ‘golden tomorrow’. However, the reality is that it can be dangerous to the security of the country.
Experts speak on Agneepath Scheme
According to experts from various fields there would be a shortage of experienced personnel in the armed forces. They feel that releasing 75% of soldiers every four years is a matter of great concern.
Many Ex-servicemen feel that it would lead to “militarization” of the society. The 75% trained, unemployed soldiers would be a threat to the nation.
There is great possibility for the rejected and dejected trained Agniveers without a job to join any terrorist organization. Many also feel that four years is too little a time for a soldier to get involved in his job and his fellow beings.
Private jobs
Private jobs in the corporate sector are just an eye-wash as of now. Many questions as to what kind of jobs will a soldier be given after four years It has also been highlighted that the idea that soldiers are released after four years is just beyond imagination.
Non-implementable scheme
Many call it a “non-implementable scheme”. Obviously, a person thrown out of the force after four years would not be loyal to the defence. Hence, the security, morale, training is just a non-implementable task. Four years of training is equal to zero for specialized units.
For specialised units like armoured, mechanised, EME, signal, infantry, engineers and air defence, they need seven-eight years to get some kind of specialization.
However, after the outrage, the government announced a few measures to address the criticism — lack of job security after four years and the low age-limit from all walks of life.
Immediately, the government increased the age limit from 21 to 23 years for the year 2022 on Thursday.
Possibilities announced
All the BJP ruled state governments and Union ministries announced that they would absorb 75 per cent Agniveer soldiers released after four years.
Furthermore, they said that Agniveers will get priority in recruitment to police and related services in the state and will be given special preference in Assam Police recruitment.
Eventually, the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that 10% of vacancies in the Defence Ministry would be reserved for Agniveers.
In addition to that, 10% reservation will be implemented in the Indian Coast Guard and defence civilian posts, and all the 16 Defence Public Sector Undertakings. This reservation would be in addition to existing reservation for ex-servicemen.
Another 10 percent jobs would be reserved for Agniveers in Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and Assam Rifles. It also announced age-relaxations.
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