New Delhi: Ruling out rollback of Agnipath scheme for recruitment in armed forces, National Security Advisor of India Ajit Doval said on Tuesday that the government's move was "not a knee-jerk reaction that has come overnight" but has been debated and discussed for over decades. NSA Doval said several committees over the decades have suggested bringing down the average age of armed forces.
"There is no question of any rollback (of the Agnipath scheme). Let me tell you one thing. This is not a knee-jerk reaction that has come overnight. This has been debated and discussed for over decades," he said while speaking to ANI. "In 1970s, we had committees that talked about reorganisation and reforming the army including the usage of manpower, technology and others," he added.
Several opposition parties have slammed the Agnipath scheme and demanded its withdrawal. Doval said under Agnipath scheme, every youth of this country who has got the desire and motivation and feels a sense of commitment to defend the country gets an opportunity. "His energy and talent are used to make this country strong," the NSA said.
Also read: Agnipath gives a chance of 'deshbhakti' to youth, says Military leadership
There have been protests against the Agnipath scheme in some states and the government has announced support measures to allay apprehensions.
Lieutenant General Anil Puri, Additional Secretary, Dept of Military Affairs, had told the media on Sunday the reform in the form of scheme like Agnipath was pending for long.
"We want to bring youthfulness and experience with this reform. Today, a large number of jawans are in their 30s and officers are getting command much later than in the past", he had said. The "transformative" Agnipath scheme, announced by Union Minister Rajanath Singh on June 14, in the presence of the three service chiefs provides for the recruitment into the Armed services of youths between the age bracket of 17-and-a-half-years to 21 for only four years with a provision to retain 25 per cent of them for 15 more years. The Centre later extended the upper age limit to 23 years for recruitment in 2022.
The Union Cabinet had also approved Agnipath scheme on June 14 and the youth selected under this scheme will be known as Agniveers.
The government had announced that 46,000 Agniveers to be recruited this year. It had said that armed Forces will have "a younger, fitter, diverse profile" to face future challenges. The Indian Army issued its first notification on Monday for recruitment under Agnipath scheme.
Doval on "conflict entrepreneurs"
Doval said while there are people who are truly concerned and "their fear of unknown" is being gradually addressed and there is another group that do "not care for the country or security of the nation" and resort to violence and damage of public property. "I will say there are two kinds of opposition. There is one group of people who are truly concerned, who have served the country. They only have the fear of the unknown. It is anxiety before any big change. People are now understanding gradually that it has been a long-term due. They are now finding it a good move," he said.
"But, there is another group. They do not care for the country or the security of the nation. They are conflict entrepreneurs. They want a conflict in society. These are the people who will go for stone-throwing, demonstrations, burning trains. They are with a vested interest. Whenever they have an opportunity they think they can mislead the people," he added. NSA Doval said the youth who are serious about joining the Armed Forces should not get misguided.
He went on to say that, "A true Agniveer will not be influenced or misguided. They will prepare rather than do protests. The people who are doing all this, I do not think they are willing to join the Armed Forces or have a psychic mental set." he emphasized. "I think protest, raising voice is justified in a democracy. Violence and vandalism will not be tolerated. Reforms are required in various forms such as Police. Lessons should be learnt from the circumstances. Many FIRs have been lodged. People behind these will be identified," said Doval.
When asked about people expressing fear of Agniveers becoming mercenaries of violence after being released from Services, Doval said, "It's totally invalid. I can tell that if there's any guarantee in the society to keep peace and stability it'll be the civilian population that has to become law-abiding."
The National Security Advisor assured that the future of 'Agniveers', those exiting the defence services after a four-year stint, will stand in a better stead. "They will be young. They will have certifications and skills. They will have money which they can invest. They need not worry about a future after completing their Agnipath term," said the National Security Advisor. (Agency inputs)
