Rahul Gandhi attacks government over Agneepath scheme; Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah respond
The elections are over long ago. Now the proceedings in Parliament have begun. Now is the time for debate and discussion. And, also, disagreement. One such fiery debate was witnessed between Rahul Gandhi, who became the Leader of Opposition for the first time in the Lok Sabha, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh over Agniveers.
Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Mr Gandhi attacked the government over the Agneepath scheme and termed it as “use and throw” labour for the government.
The Agneepath scheme, launched in 2022, provides for short-term recruitment of personnel in the armed forces with the aim of reducing the age limit of the three forces. The people hired under this plan are referred to as Agniveers.
“An Agniveer lost his life in a landmine explosion but he is not called a ‘martyr’. I call him a martyr but the Government of India does not call him a martyr. Prime Minister Modi does not call him a martyr. He calls him an Agniveer. His family will not get a pension. They will not get compensation. He will not be called a martyr. His people will not get a pension. They will not get compensation. Agniveers are used like labourers and thrown away,” said Mr Gandhi, wearing his distinctive T-shirt and trousers.
Under the scheme, youths between the ages of 17.5 years and 21 years are recruited for a period of four years. A clause states that 25% of these new hires will be kept on for an additional 15 years. The rest will be given a financial package on completion of their service.
