Congress leader Rahul Gandhi today slammed the Modi government for unveiling the ”Agnipath” scheme to recruit the youth in the armed forces, saying it would reduce the operational effectiveness of the forces.
”When India faces threats on two fronts, the uncalled for Agnipath scheme reduces the operational effectiveness of our armed forces. The BJP govt must stop compromising the dignity, traditions, valour & discipline of our forces,” he tweeted.
He was also critical of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement yesterday to recruit ten lakh people in government jobs in the next 1.5 years.
”Just like the youth were cheated eight years back when they were promised two crore jobs, now it is the turn of ten lakh government jobs. This is not a government of ‘jumlas’ but ‘maha jumlas’. The PM is not an expert in creating jobs but an expert in making news,” he tweeted.
Meanwhile, Vice Chief of the Army Staff, Gen B S Raju said ”Agnipath” scheme would bring down the age profile of soldiers to about 26 years. It would make the Army fitter. ”We will be able to handle more challenging situations in difficult areas in which troops operate,” he added. Gen Raju said; ”I think, with this scheme, we will be ready to fight the future wars.”
The ”Agnipath” scheme for youth was a win-win-win situation for an individual joining the armed forces, a senior IAF official said.
Haryana Chief Minister M L Khattar assured that ”Agniveers” would be given priority in government jobs once they were relieved after four years of service in the armed forces.