Central government likely to revamp Agnipath scheme amid rising opposition

NEW DELHI: It is reported that the central government is preparing to significantly dismantle the Agnipath project, which was considered by the party centers to be the main obstacle for the BJP to get an absolute majority in the Lok Sabha.

India Today reports that there may be changes soon, including increasing the retention percentage of Agniveers. The parties including the JD(U), which is supporting the third Modi government, have strongly demanded changes in the Agniveer scheme.

At present, only twenty-five percent of Agniveers are permitted to continue after four years of service. The report states that this may be increased to 50 percent and significant consultations are underway in this regard. The Army itself had recommended to the Center that 25 per cent was too low to maintain combat capability and it should be increased. Following this, the center is preparing for demolition. But it is not clear when this will happen.

The Center has implemented the Agnipath scheme in 2022 with various objectives. According to the plan, Agniveers were appointed to the Army, Navy and Air Force for a period of four years. After four years, 25 percent of these people will be retained. The rest will be released with benefits.

The second Modi government described the implementation of Agnipath as their proud project. But there has been a lot of criticism against the project in the states of North India including Bihar. Military service was the main goal of the youth of North India. There were also many centers where they were trained for this. The central government's decision has caused severe disappointment among the youth. The opposition made the most of the opportunity. It had promised to withdraw the project if the Front of India came to power. This was also stated in the election manifesto.

When the election results came, the Center realized the extent of opposition to the Agnipath project. It became clear to the party that youth opposition had led to a heavy defeat in many of the expected seats. It is also clear that if we continue at this level, things will be in trouble. Moreover, pressure was intensified including the constituent parties demanding a change in the Agniveer project as soon as possible.