New Delhi
On Monday, Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress President and Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Rajya Sabha, addressed a letter to President Droupadi Murmu, expressing concerns about the alleged injustices stemming from the implementation of the Agnipath scheme by the government, particularly affecting India’s youth.
Kharge articulated that the transition to the Agnipath scheme has cast uncertainty over the future of nearly two lakh young men and women aspiring for regular employment in the country’s Armed Forces. He highlighted his encounter with a group of individuals selected for the three services between 2019 and 2022, awaiting their joining letters. However, the government’s decision to replace the established recruitment process with the Agnipath scheme on May 31, 2022, shattered their dreams.
Kharge critiqued the Agnipath scheme, citing its discriminatory nature among soldiers, creating parallel cadres with varying emoluments, benefits, and prospects. He expressed concerns about the majority of Agniveers entering an uncertain job market after four years of service, potentially impacting social stability.
Kharge emphasized the purpose of his letter to President Murmu was to shed light on the injustice inflicted upon lakhs of youth whose aspirations were unfulfilled despite government promises. He underscored the reported instances of frustration and hopelessness leading to suicides among the youth.
Concluding his appeal, Kharge urged President Murmu to ensure justice for the youth, emphasizing the importance of rectifying the situation. The Agnipath recruitment scheme, launched in June 2022, aims to bring down the age profile of the Defence forces by providing short-term induction for armed personnel into the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, and Navy, with provisions to retain 25 percent of recruits for an additional 15 years.
