Agneepath, Agniveer
With the financial expenditure on the defense forces reaching a crisis point in terms of welfare, the Agneepath scheme is a step in the right direction. It is unfortunate that the scheme has been misinterpreted and painted as depriving the aspiring youth of a secure career. With the assurance of employment opportunities later along with age relaxation, fair salary and adequate financial amount at the end of the four-year term by the government, it is baffling why the youth are still unhappy. Defense forces cannot be seen as a mere ‘recruitment agency’. The youth should let go of their agitational attitude and realize that a career in defense services requires a mature and disciplined approach.
B Gurumurthy,
madurai
One reader (letter to the editor, 21 June) has stated that “it takes at least six years of dedicated and involved training to make a soldier” and that under Agneepath, the Indian “defense forces, and in particular the Indian Army, are less Will be done for one more Central Armed Police Force”. What Pathak, who is an “Ex-Serviceman of the Army”, is trying to convey is that paramilitary personnel are involved in conducting operations and maintaining law and order duties Incapable? I served in the Central Reserve Police Force for 22 years. Needless to reiterate that it is one of the elite paramilitary forces of India doing exemplary work in defending the country from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. Its functions One of them has been to oversee election duties across the country in an exemplary manner and without proper facilities as compared to the army.It may also be noted that 30% of the National Security Guard and Special Security Group The commandos are from paramilitary forces.I believe if Agneepath soldiers are inducted under quota in paramilitary forces, they will not Will surely do well in every duty assigned to him.
V Anandan,
Palakkad, Kerala
The reason why the youth protest against Agneepath turned violent is because a large percentage of candidates who registered in 2019 and later cleared certain stages of the recruitment processes – crucially, on merit – induced COVID-19 was blocked by interrupts. The government should have taken cognizance of it before announcing Agneepath. It is pertinent that these candidates are recruited as per the earlier norms. As far as Agneepath is concerned, let all the youth who meet the criteria make a well thought out decision. There is only one wish that the entire plan should be debated in Parliament as it is a matter of national security.
Ravi Bhushan,
Kurukshetra, Haryana
If the heavy burden of pension payment is the main reason for launching this half-baked scheme that shatters the dreams of patriotic youth, then the government should have visited its ledger and regulated and standardized pensions for other government employees.
Koteswara Rao Yarlagadda,
Bangalore
It is unfortunate that a minister in the government (and an officer who once held the highest rank in the army) made shocking and condescending remarks. The minister should look at this issue from the point of view of the aspirant. This is extremely shocking for a young man. Political arrogance and perceived invincibility cannot result in policy based on electoral strength and lack of cohesion in the ranks of the opposition. A bright future should be ensured for the 75 percent Agniveers who have to leave the defense forces.
V. Lakshmanan,
Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu
save water
So far this strong monsoon is not worrying. There is a need for a national task force with the help of grassroot level officials to examine areas where water use and wastage is high and prepare a citizens charter. India must learn to take water conservation seriously as fresh water is a very precious resource.
Ratnaraj Jain,
Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh