Ex-servicemen in Maha village back Agnipath
PUNE: Even as protests against the Union government Agnipath scheme rage across the country, Apshinge, a small village in Satara district known for sending youths into the Indian army as soldiers since World War I has expressed solidarity with the government stating that the scheme will bring about a number of opportunities to the youth and lead to their future empowerment.
The village with the latest population of around 3,000 — It was 2,707 as per 2011 census — currently has around 350 families where at least one person is in the army and serving the nation.
According to official administration records, 46 soldiers from the village made the sacrifice in World War-i and after Independence, a large number of soldiers hailing from the village took part in 1962 war against China, 1965 and 1971 wars against Pakistan and the Kargil war. The British built Vijay Sthambh (obelisk) in the village to commemorate its rich history and valour of the military tradition and the sacrifices made dur
first world war.
According to deputy Sarpanch Rajashri Karande, the village has a tradition of sending youths to defence forces with most going in the Indian Army.
“We have as many as six people from families in the army who are serving in different parts of the country.... Agnipath is a very important scheme and during the past two years due to Covid there was no chance for the youth. Now is golden chance with many facilities and they have a chance of a second career.”
The military veterans from the village have been counselling young aspirants about the scheme while dispelling their fears.
“The youth must not oppose the scheme and instead start applying under the scheme as it aims at their own growth and betterment...,” said Karande.
The other illustrious members of Karande family are Major General Vishwas Narayan Karande, Hon Captain Narayan Ganapati Karande, Havalar Laxman Vithoba Karande ,Brigadier Sanjeev Vishwas Karande , Hon Captain Dinkar Laxman Karanade , Colonel Jagananth Karande , Coling onel Vikram Jagannath Karande and his son Utkarsh Vikram Karande ( 23 ) has joined as lieutenant in November.
Subedar Sudhir Karande (retd), whose great great grandfather Vithoba Karande and family members had served in the World War-i in Germany said: “We believe that it is a major decision taken by the government for empowering the youth aspiring to join the army at a young age.” “The scheme will ensure that unemployment rate goes down and it is a positive scheme for the youth, especially those from rural areas .”
There are a few voices of opposition too, like army aspirant Aniket Nikam. “Many who wanted to join army are facing age bar issues due to prolonged Covid process and scheme is just for four years. What then after that is a big question as longer job guarantee and stability is needed,” said Nikam.