As Himachal Pradesh votes in the last phase of the Lok Sabha elections today, a potent issue has emerged among its youth: resentment against the Agniveer scheme. The Agniveer scheme, introduced as a short-term defence recruitment model, offers a fouryear tenure with only 25 per cent of recruits retained for regular service. This initiative, aimed at modernising the military and offering quick employment, has instead sparked dissatisfaction among aspiring young soldiers in the region. For many youth in Himachal Pradesh, joining the armed forces transcends mere employment; it is a tradition, a legacy passed down through generations. Villages like Kandbari in Palampur are emblematic of this culture, where young men, driven by both patriotic fervour and the need for stable employment, prepare rigorously for military recruitment.

However, the Agniveer scheme’s brief tenure and uncertain prospects have left many feeling betrayed. The scheme’s critics argue that a four-year service period is insufficient. They advocate for a minimum tenure of 10 years, which they believe would provide more stability and better align with the traditional commitment associated with military service. The limited duration of service, coupled with the competitive retention rate, creates a precarious future for many who had hoped for a long-term career in the armed forces. Furthermore, assurances of post-service employment opportunities in local police or paramilitary forces have done little to assuage concerns.

Past recruitment issues in Himachal Pradesh, including irregular hiring processes and the infamous constable recruitment paper leak of 2022, cast doubt on the reliability of these promises. The financial compensation of Rs 22 lakh, while seemingly substantial, is also deemed inadequate in today’s economic climate, where the cost of building a house in a village can exceed this sum. This discontent has significant political ramifications. The Congress has seized upon the Agniveer issue, promising to abolish the scheme if elected. Their campaign, spearheaded by leaders like Mr Rahul Gandhi, frames the scheme as a betrayal of soldiers, reducing them to temporary labourers rather than long-serving defenders of the nation.

This narrative may have resonated with many voters, particularly in districts like Hamirpur, Kangra, and Mandi, which have a strong tradition of military service. On the other hand, the BJP defends the Agniveer scheme as a progressive step, emphasising the added benefits and employment relaxations it purportedly offers. Union Minister Amit Shah and retired military officials argue that the scheme ensures that Agniveers will not struggle for post-service employment, citing potential roles in security companies and relaxed criteria for police and paramilitary recruitment. As ballots are cast, the youth’s dissatisfaction with the Agniveer scheme highlights a broader issue: the pressing need for stable and meaningful employment in Himachal Pradesh. The traditional allure of military service, once seen as a dependable career path, is now fraught with uncertainty. This shift not only impacts individual aspirations but also poses a challenge to the socio-economic fabric of the region.