Raghav Chadha, a Rajya Sabha member, wrote to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh regarding the rollback and re-deliberation of the Agnipath/tour of duty scheme, which was announced by the Center on June 14.
In his letter, Chadha stated that the recent change in the scheme has prompted legitimate concern among potential recruits. Furthermore, the government should put a stop to the trial by fire of youth.
The Indian armed forces are noted for their high professional standards and long service traditions and ethos, however, the army’s contentious ‘contractualization’ of the armed forces scheme has strangled the hopes of many young aspirants.
In his letter, Chadha also emphasized the scheme’s five most important flaws.
To begin with, armed forces personnel require peace of mind and job stability. “An unmotivated soldier is unquestionably avoidable,” Chadha.
“A jawan will always be evaluating his career choices or wondering how his family would live after his tenure is finished in this plan,” Chadha stated.
Second, the scheme has failed to address the problem of inadequate skilling.
Thirdly, the union government’s financial obligation to the defence pension bill should not be offset by jeopardizing jawans’ job security.
“We cannot shirk our responsibility to provide a dignified life for those who guard our borders. The scheme undermines regimental honor and jeopardizes the quality of our troops.”
Fifth, after running a pilot scheme, a consultative exercise should have taken place. Agnipath and other experimental schemes should not be imposed on a large scale.
He also stated that Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Chief Arvind Kejriwal has urged the government to repeal the Agnipath scheme permanently rather than temporarily.
The rollback will give the government enough time to rethink and consult with the aspirants who have been most affected by this sudden decision.
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