Modi congratulates first Agniveer batch
Recruitment scheme a game changer in strengthening armed forces, PM says
Addressing the first batch of Agniveers of the three Services, Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday congratulated them on being the “pioneers of the path-breaking Agnipath Scheme”.
The prime minister highlighted that this transformative policy will be a game changer in strengthening the armed forces and making them future-ready.
Under the Agnipath scheme, announced on June 14 last year, the three services are recruiting youths between the age bracket of 17-and-half years and 21 years for four years with a provision to retain 25 per cent of them for 15 more years. For 2022, the upper age limit was extended to 23 years.
Addressing, through video conferencing, the first batch who have commenced their basic training, Modi affirmed that the young Agniveers will make the armed forces more youthful and tech-savvy. “New India is filled with renewed vigour, and efforts are under way to modernise our armed forces as well as make them atmanirbhar,” he said.
Empowering women
Modi also spoke about how the Agnipath scheme will further empower women. He expressed happiness at how women Agniveers are adding pride to the Naval forces and said that he looks forward to seeing women Agniveers in all three forces.
Modi said that getting posted in different regions will give Agniveers an opportunity to get diverse experiences and that they should try to learn different languages and also about different cultures and ways of living. “Teamwork and of leadership skills will add a new dimension to your personality,” he said.
He exhorted Agniveers to remain curious about learning new things while simultaneously working on bettering their skills in the fields of their choice.