Agniveers would get the same allowance in areas like Siachen and others, no place for protestors in army, say chiefs

NEW DELHI: All the army chiefs supported the Agnipath Scheme implemented by the centre. Department of Defence, Additional Secretary Lt General Anil Puri said the Agnipath Scheme wants to bring together youthfulness and experience in the armed forces.

The defences reforms like Agnipath has been under discussion for a long time. It has been under discussion since the Kargil war in 1999. ‘Most soldiers are in their 30s today. The officers get command much later than in the past. About 17,600 people take voluntary retirement from three forces. No one ever tried to ask them what they will do after retirement,’ said Anil Puri.

Anil Puri said the Agniveers would get the same allowance in areas like Siachen and other areas. The intake of soldiers under Agnipath scheme will be 50,000-60,000 which will increase up to one lakh subsequently. Now 46,000 people will be employed but will increase it to 1.25 lakh in future. There is no place for indiscipline in the armed forces. Any candidates participated in the protests against the scheme will not be taken.