Armed forces aspirants launched major rallies and protests in certain states, torching trains and vandalising vehicles, as well as ransacking the offices of BJP MLAs, such as Bihar and Madhya Pradesh (in Bihar) post the launch of the popular scheme “Agnipath” by the Central government. Protestors stated that after a four-year tour of duty, 75 per cent of the recruits, dubbed ‘Agniveers,’ will be retired. About Thursday, as the protests grew, government sources produced a thorough fact sheet on ‘Agnipath.’
Here are a few of the myths that have been debunked:
Myth 1: The ‘Agniveers’ – individuals who participate in the ‘Agnipath’ system – have a bleak future.
Fact: ‘Agnivesers’ who have completed their tour of duty and want to start their own business will receive financial aid in the shape of a package. They also have the option of applying for a bank loan.
Those who desire to continue their education will be given a certificate stating that they passed the Class 12 exam. They can also enrol in a bridging course to help them continue their education.
Those looking for work after their stint as an ‘Agniveer’ will be given precedence in CAPFs and state police forces. There are also plans to offer them work in other fields.
Myth 2: ‘Agniveers’ will pose a threat to society and may join terrorist groups.
Fact: This has been dismissed as an affront to the Indian armed forces’ character and ideals. According to the government, young people who wear the uniform for four years will be dedicated to the country for the rest of their life.
“Thousands of people are retiring from the armed forces with talents and other benefits, but there have been no reports of them joining anti-national groups,” government sources said.
Myth 3: As a result of ‘Agnipath,’ youth will have fewer opportunities.
Fact: According to the administration, opportunities for young people to serve in the military will rise. In comparison to present armed forces recruitment, the number of ‘Agniveers’ is predicted to increase in the coming years.
Myth 4: Young people under the age of 21 are immature and untrustworthy in the military.
Fact: According to the government, defence mainly relies on youth.
“There will never be a period when there are more young people than experienced ones. Only a 50-50 mix of young and experienced supervisory levels will be achieved under the current approach “sources elucidated.
Myth 5: The system will have a negative impact on the military’s performance.
Fact: According to the administration, such short-term recruitment schemes are common in most countries and are a tried-and-true strategy for maintaining a youthful and agile force. “In the first year, the number of ‘Agniveers’ to be recruited will only make up 3% of the armed forces,” sources stated.
In addition, before being re-inducted into the army after four years, the performance of ‘Agniveers’ will be evaluated. This is to ensure that the army has the most qualified personnel in supervisory positions.
Myth 6: Former military officers were not consulted.
Fact: The government sources claims that extensive conversations with serving armed services personnel have taken place over the last two years. The proposal was formulated by the Department of Military Officers, which staffs military offices, according to the report. This government created the department in the first place. The benefits of the system have been recognised by many former officers, who have embraced it.
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