What is the Modi government's motive behind the Agnipath scheme? On the day of Kargil Vijay Diwas, the Prime Minister answered the opposition

On the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas 2024, PM Narendra Modi paid tribute to the brave martyrs. While addressing the soldiers, he fiercely targeted Pakistan. At the same time, on this occasion, he also mentioned the benefits being received by the youth of the country due to the Agnipath Yojana.

PM Modi said that our armies have made many bold decisions in the past years. The agnipath scheme is also an example of the necessary reforms done by the army. The strength of the country will increase with the Agneepath scheme and the capable youth of the country will also come forward to serve the motherland. Announcements have also been made to give priority to Agniveers in the private sector and paramilitary forces.

PM Modi's reply to the opposition

Referring to the Agneepath scheme, the Prime Minister also targeted the previous UPA government. He said that for decades, discussions have been going on from Parliament to many committees on making the armies young. The average age of India's soldiers being more than the global average has been a matter of concern for all of us. Therefore, this topic was raised in many committees for years, but the will to solve this challenge related to the security of the country was not shown earlier. Perhaps the mentality of some people was such that the army meant saluting the leaders and doing parades.

Army means guarantee of the security of the country: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi further said that for us army means the faith of 140 crore countrymen, for us army means a guarantee of peace of 140 crore countrymen, and for us army means a guarantee of security to the borders of the country. Through the Agneepath Yojana, the country addressed this important dream."

Without naming the opposition parties including the Congress, PM Modi targeted them and said that unfortunately, some people have made such a sensitive issue related to national security a matter of politics.

The Prime Minister further said that some people are doing politics of lies for their gain on this army reform. These are the same people who weakened our forces by committing scams worth thousands of crores in the forces. These are the same people who wanted the Air Force to never get modern fighter jets. These are the same people who had also prepared to box up the Tejas fighter plane.

Politics being done on Agneepath Yojana.

The question is why did PM Modi mention the Agneepath Yojana on the occasion of Kargil Day? The answer is that a few days ago, in the special session of Parliament, there was a fierce debate between the ruling party and the opposition on the Agneepath Yojana and Agniveers. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi had raised some issues related to Agniveers, which caused a huge uproar What did Rahul Gandhi say? Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has claimed that Agniveer is not called 'Jawan'. He also said that Agniveers who serve for four years will not get a pension. Rahul Gandhi said, "An Agniveer Jawan lost his life in a landmine explosion, but he was not called a martyr. Agniveer is a use and throws laborer." Rajnath Singh had responded to the allegations Defense Minister Rajnath Singh had responded to these allegations of the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha. Rajnath Singh had informed that the family of Agniveer who sacrifices his life while protecting the country's borders or during the war is given financial assistance of Rs 1 crore. The Defense Minister had further said that Rahul Gandhi is trying to mislead the House with these statements. Agniveers will get a 10 percent reservation in CISF-BSF recruitment.

At the same time, recently the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and Border Security Force (BSF) have talked about giving 10 percent reservation to former Agniveers in the posts of constable. Earlier last year, the Union Home Ministry had announced reservation to former Agniveers in the Armed Police Forces (CAPF).

The Agnipath scheme was launched last year for the recruitment of youth in the armed forces. This scheme was announced on 16 June 2022. The soldiers joining the army under this scheme are known as 'Agniveer'.

What is the qualification to become an Agniveer?

10th pass candidates can apply for the post of Agniveer General Duty. The candidate must pass the 10th examination with 45 percent marks. At the same time, the candidate has to pass with a minimum of 33 percent marks in all subjects. Candidates between 17 and 23 years old are considered eligible for the Agneepath scheme.