Condemning the decision of National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government to implement ‘Agnipath’ scheme in the Indian Army as a retrogressive step, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday asked the Union government to immediately roll back its decision in the larger interest of the country and its youth.
“After agriculture (Kisaani) it is a serious attack on the youth (jawani) which is unwarranted and undesirable. It is a huge loss for Punjabi youth who are ever ready to serve their motherland by joining the Army,” said the CM while condemning this move of the NDA government led by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Mann said it reflects the sorry state of affairs in the country as the party in power is recklessly running the country without bothering about its youth. He said this mindless decision has put the country on boil as the youth of the country have come on roads to protest against this irresponsible move of the Centre.
The CM said the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) vehemently opposes this move which deprives the youth of the opportunity to serve the country throughout the life and rendering them useless after service of mere four years.
He said it is unfortunate that the Union government has not employed even a single youth in the Army during the last two years. Now through this ‘Agnipath’ move the Centre is allowing a youth to serve the Army merely for four years and that too without pension, the CM said.
Mann said this is sheer humiliation of the Indian Army which has a glorious heritage of serving the country with valour, sacrifice and selfless service.
The CM said the Union government has backstabbed the youth of the country through this move. He said that anger prevailing amongst the youth is result of this senseless move of the Union government. Mann said the Union government should immediately roll back this decision in the larger interest of the unity, integrity and sovereignty of the county.