Agnipath scheme row: Rajasthan asks Centre to scrap new armed forces job plan

JAIPUR: State council of ministers meet on Saturday passed a unanimous resolution asking the Centre to withdraw the Agnipath scheme in armed forces recruitment considering the larger public interest and the sentiments of the youth.
The meeting chaired by chief minister Ashok Gehlot expressed concern over the nationwide violent protests against Agnipath scheme.
Briefing the media after the meeting, ministers Pratap Singh Khachariyawas and Mamta Bhupesh said the meeting noted that the Indian army is the bravest in the world and is known for its indomitable courage. “The whole country takes pride in the Indian armed forces’ glorious history. To maintain the dignity and prestige of the force, it is necessary to have the skill, experience, and stability in the forces. To increase efficiency in the armed forces, it is crucial to have permanent soldiers instead of short-term recruits, so that the country could reap the benefit of their experience. The army must be equipped with all the resources and must be continuously strengthened.”
The council of ministers while expressing serious concern said there have been massive protests across the country regarding the provisions made in this scheme. This scheme has created many doubts among the youths regarding their future. Due to this, youths are protesting on the roads and railway tracks in many areas of the country. Incidents of vandalism and damage to public property are being reported from many places. Demonstrations are being held in various states including Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Delhi, Jharkhand, Jammu and Kashmir, and Assam. In states like Bihar, UP, Telangana, youths have set fire to trains and buses.
The meeting noted that many military experts are of the opinion that the Agnipath scheme will neither secure the future of the youths nor will the country's armed forces face the challenges with full confidence.
Experts say that there should be regular recruitment in the country's armed forces along with better training of soldiers so that their future and their family's future could be secured.
Therefore, the state government is of the view that the Central Government should have had a comprehensive discussion with all the stakeholders before introducing any such scheme.