BJP MP Varun Gandhi has questioned the Center on the Agneepath scheme on June 24, saying that if people who are recruited in the armed forces under this initiative are not eligible for pension, then why should public representatives get this post-retirement benefit.
He said, “If firefighters who have served for a short time are not entitled to pension, then why should this ‘facilitation’ be for public representatives? If those who defend the country do not have the right to pension, then I too have to go. Ready hoon mera,” he said in a tweet in Hindi.
“Can we, MLAs/MPs, give up our pension to ensure that firefighters get pension,” he asked.
Gandhi is questioning the ‘Agneepath’ scheme launched by the Center on June 14.
The scheme envisages to recruit young soldiers on contract basis for four years and 75 per cent of them retire without pension and health benefits. However, it assures them an exit package of 11.70 lakhs.
Earlier, he had also extended support to students opposing the Agneepath Defense Recruitment Scheme, but urged them to follow the path of non-violence.