PM Modi Defends Agnipath Scheme on Kargil Vijay Diwas

On Kargil Vijay Diwas, Prime Minister Narendra Modi defended the Agnipath scheme amid criticism from Congress and some NDA allies. Speaking at the Kargil War Memorial in Ladakh, Modi emphasized that the scheme was designed to rejuvenate the armed forces. This article explores PM Modi’s defense of the Agnipath scheme, Congress’s rebuttal, and the ongoing debate surrounding military recruitment in India.

PM Modi’s Defence of the Agnipath Scheme

On July 26, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a gathering in Dras, Ladakh, marking the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas. Modi used the occasion to reinforce his support for the Agnipath scheme, introduced in 2022. He asserted that the scheme aims to keep the armed forces fit for war by recruiting personnel on a short-term contract basis.

PM Modi clarified that the scheme was not about saving pension money. He criticized the opposition for playing politics with national security issues. According to Modi, the pension for current recruits would be a concern for future governments, not the present one. He emphasized that the government’s focus is on national policy rather than political gain.

Under the Agnipath scheme, recruits join the Army, Navy, and Air Force for a four-year contract. After this period, only 25% are eligible for a permanent commission, extending their service by another 15 years. Modi argued that this policy helps maintain a dynamic and agile military force.

Congress’s Response and Criticism

In response, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge condemned PM Modi’s defense of the scheme. Kharge labeled Modi’s claims as a “blatant lie” and an “insult” to the armed forces. He alleged that the Agnipath scheme was poorly received by the military, citing retired General MM Naravane’s criticism. Kharge claimed Naravane described the scheme as a “bolt out of the blue” for the Navy and Air Force.

Kharge also criticized the scheme for its lack of pension benefits, including gratuity and family pensions. He highlighted that 15 Agniveers had already been martyred, urging respect for their sacrifice. According to Kharge, soldiers join the military out of patriotism and not merely for a paycheck.

Congress MP Karti Chidambaram’s Critique

Congress MP Karti Chidambaram added to the criticism by arguing that the Agnipath scheme undermines the effectiveness of the armed forces. He asserted that short-term induction without adequate training and benefits does not contribute to a professional army. Chidambaram stressed the need for comprehensive training and full commission to build a robust military.

BJP’s Internal Concerns and Modi’s Counterattack

An internal BJP report revealed dissatisfaction with the Agnipath scheme, which reportedly contributed to the party’s poor performance in the Uttar Pradesh Lok Sabha elections. Modi, however, countered by accusing previous governments of neglecting the soldiers’ welfare. He claimed that his administration had implemented the One Rank One Pension scheme and allocated over Rs 1.25 lakh crore to ex-servicemen.

Modi criticized past administrations for failing to build a war memorial and for inadequately equipping soldiers with bulletproof jackets. His remarks were aimed at highlighting his government’s commitment to military welfare compared to previous regimes.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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