Agnipath golden opportunity for youth to serve country, says Union Defence Minister

NEW DELHI: Amid violent protests across the country against the Agnipath scheme, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has vouched for the central government’s project. “The Agnipath scheme gives a golden opportunity to the youth of the country to join the defence system and serve the country. 'I am Agniveer' with being their unique identity with freshness," Singh said.

"Due to a snag in the recruitment process in the army for two years, many youths did not get the opportunity to join the army. This is a fact. That is why, keeping in mind the future of the youth and showing sensitivity towards them, with the approval of the prime minister, the government has decided that this time the age limit for the recruitment of Agniveers should be increased," he said.

In the wake of the ongoing violent protests, the central government has raised the age limit for the scheme from 21 to 23. However, it is only a one-time relaxation. The centre has also said that the recruitment will be three times higher than the previous years.

Leaders, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, have lauded the decision to raise the age limit. Meantime, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said that the youth have rejected the Agnipath scheme. “The prime minister does not understand what the people of the country want, as he cannot hear anything except the voice of his friends,” Gandhi added.