The Congress party has intensified its demand to scrap the Agnipath recruitment scheme, questioning its rationale and calling for the reinstatement of the old long-term recruitment process for soldiers. This demand comes ahead of the first session of the 18th Lok Sabha (LS), scheduled to commence on June 26, and follows media reports suggesting that an internal military survey has proposed changes to the scheme.
Key Points from the Congress's Stand:
- Questioning the Scheme's Impact: Congress leader Deepender Singh Hooda, addressing a press conference at the party headquarters in Delhi, highlighted the party's concerns about the Agnipath scheme. The Congress argues that the scheme has proven detrimental to the Indian Armed Forces.
- Internal Military Survey Findings: The internal survey reportedly indicates that the Agnipath scheme has led to a decline in the army's morale, coordination, and mutual cooperation, which are critical for any military force. The survey suggests that the current 24-week training for Agniveers is insufficient and lacks quality. There are speculations about extending the training period to 42 weeks.
- Long-Term Strategic Concerns: The survey points out that the Agnipath scheme has resulted in a significant shortage of senior technical personnel, impacting India's long-term strategic and defence preparedness. This shortage is seen as a critical issue for maintaining the country's defence capabilities.
- Congress's Critique: The Congress asserts that these shortcomings demonstrate that the Agnipath scheme was not introduced with a visionary mindset. They emphasise the need for a more robust and long-term recruitment strategy to ensure the strength and effectiveness of the Indian Armed Forces.
Context and background
The Agnipath Scheme, which was introduced on June 14, 2022, seeks to recruit people for short-term positions in order to reduce the average age of the Indian Armed Forces. Under this scheme, young recruits, known as Agniveers, undergo a four-year term of service. After this period, a select few may be retained for permanent positions based on performance and the needs of the armed forces.
For more on this,read: First Batch Of 2,600 Agniveers Graduate, Pics From Ceremony Released
Conclusion
As the debate over the Agnipath scheme continues, the Congress party's demand for its scrapping adds pressure on the government for answers. The upcoming Lok Sabha session will likely see further discussions and potential decisions regarding the future of the Agnipath scheme.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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