AGNIVEER

Agniveer Ajay Kumar controversy explained: From Rahul Gandhi's claims to Indian Army's counterclaims

Indian Army issues clarification on emoluments to Agniveer Ajay Kumar after Rahul Gandhi's claim

The Indian Army clarified the compensation provided to Agniveer Ajay Kumar’s family after Rahul Gandhi alleged that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lied in parliament about emoluments. The Army emphasised that Rs 98.39 lakhs have already been paid to the family, with additional benefits totaling approximately 67 lakhs to be settled after Police verification, summing up to Rs 1.65 Cr. The Army reiterated their commitment to honoring fallen heroes' sacrifices.

Rajnath Singh 'lied' in Parliament on compensation to families of martyred Agniveers, alleges Rahul Gandhi

The Congress leader also shared a video on X purportedly of the father of a deceased Agniveer who stated that Rajnath Singh had claimed that Rs 1 crore compensation had been given to the next of kin of martyred Agniveers but no such assistance was received by his family.

Congress spreading lies about Agniveers: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the Congress of spreading lies about the Agnipath scheme to deter youth from joining the armed forces. He called it a conspiracy to weaken national defence efforts. He criticied the Opposition for undermining defense reforms and pledged to enhance the armed forces' readiness through ongoing reforms. He emphasised the importance of increasing youth participation for a stronger military.

Scrap Agnipath; bring back the old army recruitment scheme: Hanuman Beniwal

Mallikarjun Kharge raises NEET, Manipur, Agniveer in Rajya Sabha

Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge criticised the BJP-led government during the Rajya Sabha discussion on the President's address, highlighting issues like exam paper leaks, train accidents, terror attacks, and currency depreciation. He expressed concern over the NEET paper leak affecting 30 lakh students and called for a Supreme Court-monitored investigation. Kharge also raised issues related to Manipur, statue relocation, Agnipath scheme, 'one rank, one pension', and PM Modi's rhetoric on minorities and Pakistan.

Agniveer scheme brought after lot of thought: Rajnath Singh's rebuttal to Rahul Gandhi in Lok Sabha

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh defended the Agnipath military recruitment scheme, which was criticized by opposition leader Rahul Gandhi in the Lok Sabha. Singh argued that the scheme was rolled out after consultation with 158 organizations and that an Agniveer who commits suicide receives a compensation of Rs 1 crore. Gandhi claimed the government treats Agniveers as "use-and-throw labourers" and does not give them the status of a "shaheed (martyr)."

Rahul Gandhi's 'Hindu' remark creates uproar in Lok Sabha, invites sharp reactions from BJP leaders: Who said what?

Rahul Gandhi's remarks on Hinduism and NEET-UG paper leak sparked controversy in the Lok Sabha. Union ministers criticized him for denigrating Hindus, while Congress defended his stance. The issue led to a heated debate on political exploitation of religion and biased media coverage.

We got Rs 1.08 cr aide from govt: Kin of deceased Agniveer

Singh was speaking after Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, while referring to the Agnipath military recruitment scheme, claimed the government regards Agniveers as "use-and-throw labourers" and does not even give them the status of a "shaheed (martyr)".

"We do not align with fake Hindutva portrayed by BJP": Sanjay Raut backs Rahul Gandhi's remarks in Parliament

Falling in line with Rahul Gandhi's remarks, the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader further added that the former said in the Parliament that 'Hindutva' is a much wider term. "He did not say anything wrong about the Hindus. Those who consider themselves Hindus should hear again that Rahul Gandhiji had said that 'Hindutva' is a much wider term and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won't understand this", he said.

Agniveers 'use & throw': Rahul tears into Govt for no pension to martyrs; Rajnath rebukes charge

Indian Army announces commencement of Phase II of Agniveer recruitment process

The Indian Army progresses with Phase II recruitment under the Agniveer initiative, focusing on transparency and efficiency. The Agnipath scheme targets youths aged 17-and-half to 21 for short-term service to enhance the military's age profile, with the option of retaining 25% for an extended period.

Punjab & Sind Bank signs pact with Indian Army for salary account

"PSB Gaurav Bachat SB Salary account is exclusively designed to cater to the distinct banking requirement of serving and retired personnels. The product is also strategically aimed to tap Agniveers enrolled in the Agnipath scheme, ensuring a comprehensive financial solution that aligns with distinctive needs of the segment," Punjab & Sind bank MD and CEO Swarup Kumar Saha told PTI.

Congress: Nothing short of scrapping Agniveer scheme will do

The Opposition party hardening its stand, incidentally with an eye on the upcoming assembly polls in Haryana and Maharashtra, coincides with reports about deliberations within the government to review and modify the scheme.

Congress demands rollback of Agnipath scheme, seeks regular recruitment in army

Congress leader Deepender Hooda called for the abolition of the Agnipath scheme and urged the government to revert to permanent recruitment in the armed forces. Citing internal reports highlighting flaws in Agnipath, including morale decline and recruitment concerns, Hooda emphasized that the scheme is not beneficial for youth or national interests.

Fortifying the Forces: Agnipath scheme may see significant changes following Army survey

The Indian Army is set to implement major changes to the Agniveer scheme following feedback from an internal survey. These changes include extending the service tenure from four to eight years, increasing the retention rate of Agniveers to 60-70%, and raising the induction age for technical services to 23 years. The modifications aim to address concerns about inadequate expertise and improve the scheme’s effectiveness. The proposals will be reviewed by the Prime Minister's Office, with final decisions expected soon.

Rajnath Singh retains Defence Minister portfolio with major reforms on the horizon, here are some key issues that are expected to be addressed

Rajnath Singh will continue as India's Defense Minister, focusing on self-reliance in defense and boosting women's roles in the armed forces. Amidst tensions with China, India is increasing defense imports from the US. The Agnipath recruitment scheme, criticized for job security, is under review. Theater command unification aims to enhance joint operations, with progress made. Indigenous military production is a priority to reduce reliance on imports. Singh faces the immediate task of appointing a new Army Chief, influencing future military reforms.

'Wrong, misplaced sense of priorities', Shashi Tharoor’s clear-cut stand on Agniveer Scheme

Agniveer scheme: NDA ally JD(U) seeks removal of problems in defence program

As the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) strategizes for government formation, the JD(U), a crucial party, has voiced its opposition to the Agniveer scheme. Launched in June 2022, the government's defense program aims to rapidly induct personnel in order to lower the age profile across the three services.

Agniveer Scheme: What is it? Why is it in news? Rules, perks and drawbacks of Agnipath scheme

With the BJP poised to form an NDA government at the Centre with support of JD(U) and TDP, the Agnipath Scheme or the Agniveer Scheme has become the talk of the town again. JDU Senior Leader KC Tyagi on Thursday said that his party had offered unconditional support to the BJP-led NDA but wanted the shortcomings in the 'Agnipath' scheme to the discussed in detail. "A section of voters has been upset over the Agniveer scheme. Our party wants those shortcomings which have been questioned by the public to be discussed in detail and removed," he said. This has again created a stir amonf the masses.

Lok Sabha Polls: How Jat unity took down BJP in Rajasthan, Haryana

Consolidated opposition to Agniveer scheme, protests against farm laws responsible for ruling party’s defeat in two states where it had won by huge margins in 2019; absence of a Jat face adds to woes.

Over 400 Agniveer recruits join army at passing out parade in Ladakh

'Gaurav Padak' was presented to the proud parents whose wards have joined the regiment as Agniveers, the spokesperson said, adding that it was indeed a proud moment for the kin of the recruits, who had arrived from far flung areas to witness the grand ceremony. In his address to the young recruits, Maj Gen Singh congratulated them for the impressive parade and urged them to devote their life in service to the nation, as proud soldiers of the Army.

'Agnipath' scheme aimed at maintaining youthful profile of military: CDS Gen Chauhan

CDS Gen Anil Chauhan highlighted the importance of the 'Agnipath' scheme at INS Chilka, a premier training facility of the Indian Navy in Odisha, to maintain a youthful profile in the services.