The Congress criticized the Modi government on Tuesday, asserting that the Agnipath military recruitment scheme poses a significant “national security threat” by reducing the intake of recruits, potentially compromising the country’s defense readiness for the next decade.
Jairam Ramesh, Congress general secretary, launched a scathing attack following a media report indicating that the Department of Military Affairs is actively assessing feedback on Agniveers in service to evaluate its impact on the Army, Air Force, and Navy.
In a statement on social media, Ramesh emphasized, “Agnipath poses a grave national security threat.” He highlighted concerns that the scheme has reduced annual recruitments from 75,000 to 46,000, creating a shortfall that could undermine security preparedness for years to come.
Ramesh also criticized the scheme’s training duration, stating that ‘Agniveers’ receive only six months of training before being considered combat-ready.
“This policy was implemented by the Modi government without adequate foresight or consultation, despite objections from all three Army chiefs,” Ramesh added, accusing the outgoing Prime Minister of prioritizing personal agendas over national security concerns.
Earlier on Monday, the Congress accused the Modi government of jeopardizing national security and the prospects of young Indians with the introduction of the Agnipath scheme, pledging to abolish the program if an INDIA bloc government comes to power.
Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah defended the Agnipath scheme, describing it as a highly attractive opportunity for youth by guaranteeing full-term employment following
