New DelhiAmid nationwide protests against the Centre’s Agneepath Army Recruitment Scheme, India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval said that the recruits of the Agneepath scheme are not meant to constitute the entire army. He also said that the ‘misguided’ youth need to look at the scheme from a specific point of view as ‘Agneepath is not a standalone scheme in itself’.
Firefighters will never form entire army: NSA Ajit Doval
Talking to ANI about the ruckus of Agneepath scheme in the country, he said, “Agneepath will never constitute an entire army. Those who become Agneepath regular will eventually undergo intensive training, gain experience over a period of time.”
Perspective needed: Doval
He further said, “It needs to be seen from a perspective. Agneepath is not a standalone scheme in itself. When PM Narendra Modi came to power in 2014, one of his major priorities was to make India safe and strong. It required many paths, many steps – many of them.”
He said, “Broadly, they come under four heads. It requires equipment, it requires change in systems and structures, it requires change in technology, it requires manpower, Policies need change and they have to be futuristic.”
What is Agneepath Scheme?
The scheme includes a recruitment process for persons ranked below officers, with the goal of deploying fitter, younger soldiers to the frontline, many of whom will be on four-year contracts. It is a game-changer that will give a more youthful image to the Army, Navy and Air Force.