Govt tries to allay concerns on Agnipath amid raging protests

It will increase the proportion of young people in the forces gradually, to 50%, and ensure balance: Govt

NEW DELHI: The government on Thursday sought to address concerns raised about and criticism of its new Agnipath scheme for recruitment of enlisted men and women from those aspiring for a career in the armed forces as well as veterans concerned about the potential fallout.

The clarification from senior government officials came even as aspirants seeking a career in the army protested in many parts of north and northwest India.

Those who want to start an enterprise will be eligible for bank loans; those who wish to study further, will be given a Class 12 certificate (the education ministry announced the modalities for this on Thursday); and those wishing to be employed will be given preference in positions in the central armed police forces, and state police. On Thursday, the finance ministry met executives at stateowned banks to discuss ways to find employment for the Agniveers, as those recruited under the new scheme will be called.

To be sure, all these recruitments will be against openings, and there is no guarantee that all Agniveers will find employment.

The government still has a task on its hand, convincing aspirants who have waited for over two years for the armed forces to restart recruitment.

The new scheme has also been criticised by veterans on several fronts, and the government sought to address each of these.

Some veterans have said that this process could affect the effectiveness of the armed forces. The government’s counter is that similar short-term enlistment schemes exist in many countries; that the number of Agniveers recruited in the first year would make up only 3% of the armed forces; and that only the best of them will be retained after four years.

The government officials also rubbished fears of a militarised society with Agniveers who do not find employment turning to other avenues. Young people who have served the country for four years are unlikely to turn against it, they pointed out. “Many former officers have recognised the advantages of the scheme and welcomed it,” the officials said.