Agnipath scheme will have ‘significant positive impact’, says TVS’ Sudarshan Venu

MD Sudarshan Venu has come out in support of the Centre’s Armed Forces recruitment scheme Agnipath, finding it to be an initiative with ‘significant positive impact’ and geared towards ‘nation building,’ according to a press statement.

Venu, who was recently elevated to the position of Managing Director at the Chennai-based vehicle manufacturer, said the Agnipath scheme will have a ‘significant positive impact on society, and contribute greatly to nation building.’ He added that the enlisted youth would play an important role in ‘furthering economic growth and strengthening society in the coming years.’

The Union Cabinet on June 14 cleared the Agnipath scheme to recruit youngsters for the Armed Forces and provide them with military skills and experience over a 4-year period. A PIB statement said the Centre aims to recruit 46,000 Agniveers this year.

Venu counts among the first industrialists from India Inc to bat for the scheme, against which protests have erupted across the country, with some turning violent in cities in Haryana on Thursday.

The Armed Forces estimates that the Agnipath scheme would reduce the average age of the force by 4-5 years,
said the release. The National Institute of Open Schooling under the Department of School Education and Literacy will devise a course for Agniveers with 10th grade certificates to obtain Class 12 certificates.