Protest erupts against Agneepath scheme in several states in North India, trains set on fire; Scheme will give strength to army, says Centre

NEW DELHI: As violent protests continue in various states against the 'Agneepath' recruitment scheme targeting four years of service to the youth, the central government has made it clear that the scheme will give the Armed Forces the energy and strength of youth.

The protest intensified on the second day as thousands of youngsters set fire to trains, attacked railway stations and disrupted train services. Violent protests took place in states such as Delhi, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Jammu and Kashmir. In the meantime, the Centre issued an explanatory note titled 'Agneepath Truth and Myth'. According to the Centre, youngsters, who are recruited in Agniveer, will get better opportunities.

Several passengers were reportedly injured in an attack on the Nizamuddin Express at Gwalior on its way from Thiruvananthapuram. It is not clear whether there were any Malayalees among them. The assailants smashed the glasses in the AC compartments with iron rods.

Myths and facts

The government said it is being spread that Agniveers will have an insecure future but the fact is that the ones aspiring to be entrepreneurs will get a financial package and bank loan scheme.

The ones who desire to study further will be given a certificate equivalent to the class 12 certificate and a bridging course for further studies, whereas the ones who wish to obtain jobs will be given priority in Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and the state police. Several avenues are also being opened up for them in other sectors.

The government said another myth is that the opportunities for youth will decrease as a result of Agnipath but the fact is that the opportunities for the youth to serve in armed forces will increase.

It said that in coming years, the recruitment for Agniveers in the armed forces will be around three times the current recruitment.

Referring to claims that the regimental bonding will be affected, the government said that the fact is that no change is being done to the regimental system. Rather, it will be further accentuated because the best of Agniveers will be selected, further boosting the cohesiveness of the unit.

The government said another myth that prevailed is that the 'Agnipath' recruitment scheme will harm the effectiveness of the armed forces but the “truth is that such a short-term enlistment system exists in most countries and hence is already tested out and 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, it said.

The government said it has also been rumoured that people of the age of 21 years are immature and unreliable for the Army but the fact is that most of the armies in 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 government also dismissed apprehensions in sections of social media about the possibility of some Agniveers getting astray and said it is completely incorrect and is 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, it said. Even now, thousands who exit the armed forces, have retired with skills and there has been no instance of them joining anti-national forces, the government said.

It said there was another myth among people that there the former armed forces officers have not been consulted but it has been clarified that extensive consultation was undertaken with the serving armed forces officers for the last two years, before implementing the scheme.

The proposal of 'Agnipath' has been framed by the Department of Military Officers staffed by Military officers. The department itself is a creation of this government. Many former officers have recognized the advantages of the scheme and have welcomed it, the government said.