New Delhi . Defense Minister Rajnath Singh has given a big statement regarding Agniveer Scheme. He said that if the need arises, the government is ready to make changes in the Agniveer Recruitment Scheme. The government wants to ensure that the future of the firefighters is secure. He defended the plan saying that youth are needed in the army.
There was opposition across the country against the Agniveer scheme implemented for army recruitment. Now recruitment is being done at the lower level through this, under which the job is for 4 years. Soldiers get a lump sum amount after completion of the period and they get priority in recruitment at other places. This scheme is criticized saying that it is a short term job and after that the soldiers face the challenge of their entire career.
Rajnath Singh said, I believe that there should be youth in the army. There is more passion among the youth. They are also better in terms of technology. We have taken full care that their future remains safe. If needed, we are ready to change the plan.
Under Agniveer Recruitment Scheme, there is a job for 4 years. Training is given for 6 months and deployment is for 3.5 years. After completion of this period they can apply for regular service in the army and will have to appear in the examination. Apart from this, if they exit the army then they get priority in the recruitment of police and paramilitary forces of the states. He said that today we are strengthening the army. The situation of arms is such that we are not only importing but also exporting arms on a large scale. We are moving forward under the Self-reliant India scheme.
What is Agniveer Recruitment Scheme?
The recruitment scheme for youth to serve in the armed forces started on 14 June 2022. This scheme has been named Agneepath. Candidates will be recognized as Agniveer for a period of 4 years. Agniveer will be a separate rank in the Indian Army. Under the scheme, fire fighters will not get pension, gratuity, health scheme like ex-servicemen, however, they will not get the status of ex-servicemen. DA and military service pay will not be given during service. However, allowances for ration, uniform and travel will be available. However, this scheme is still being criticized continuously. The opposition government believes that the government is giving short term jobs to the youth.