‘Agniveer is use and throw labour': Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi blames PM Modi for Agniveer scheme, alleges govt is dividing jawans

01 Jul 2024 Evaluate

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi today launched a scathing attack on the Narendra Modi-led NDA government, claiming that Agniveers were being treated as ‘use and throw.’

In his maiden speech as the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi said, ‘Agniveer is a use and throw labour. One jawan is getting a pension, while another is not. You are creating a divide between jawans.’ Targeting PM Modi directly, Gandhi said that the Agniveer scheme was brought on board without proper consultation, and was a directive from the Prime Minister's Office. He also claimed that Agniveer is PMO's scheme, not the Army's.

Meanwhile, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh countered Rahul Gandhi's allegations, asserting that the Congress leader is spreading misinformation in Parliament. Slamming Rahul Gandhi over his remarks that the families of Agniveers would not receive a pension, Singh said that the government provides Rs 1 crore in compensation to the families of Agniveer martyrs. During the speech, Congress leader has also pointed out issues such as the ongoing crisis in Manipur, issue of farmers, Demonetisation along with the Agniveer issue. 

The Narendra Modi government introduced the Agnipath scheme during its previous term to recruit youth aged 17.5-21 as soldiers for four years. The initiative aims to modernize the military, foster a younger force, and alleviate long-term financial burdens from pensions and benefits. However, the Agnipath scheme has faced substantial criticism from various groups who argue that its short-term recruitment process could result in job insecurity and inadequate training for military personnel. Even allies of the BJP-led NDA government, such as JD(U) and LJP (RV), have called for a review of the scheme.


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