Congress leader Karti Chidambaram criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for supporting the ‘Agnipath’ plan at a gathering commemorating Kargil War troops. Chidambaram said that the Army should not be politicized and that the Agniveer program should be abandoned.
Agniveer plan does not meet Army’s needs, says Karti
“The Agniveer scheme should be scrapped. Modern combat requires highly trained warriors, which the program does not provide. The Agniveer plan does not meet the Army’s needs,” Chidambaram told NDTV.
“Indian Army has a glorious past and should not be politicised. We salute the army and not the other way around,” he added.
Also read: Budget 2024: P Chidambaram accuses NDA of copying Congress’ manifesto
Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa echoed Karti’s sentiments
Another Congress leader, Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, echoed the concerns, saying the administration should explain what will happen to the Agniveers once they retire after four years of service.
“The PM claims that we are generating confusion. He is discussing what will happen after 30 years. He should discuss what would happen in four years with these investors,” Randhawa added.
What is Agnipath Scheme?
The Agnipath scheme, which was launched in 2022, was created to attract persons for short-term service in the armed forces with the goal of decreasing the age profile across the services. Known as Agniveers, these persons are currently ineligible for ordinary benefits such as pensions for their family in the case of their death in duty.
The issue has spurred larger debate, with a parliamentary group previously suggesting that families of Agniveers killed in the line of duty receive benefits comparable to those offered to families of regular military members.
