AGNIVEER SCHEME
Family of martyr Agniveer Ajay Kumar hasn't received any compensation from govt: Rahul Gandhi
The dispute over compensation for Agniveer Ajay Kumar's family escalates with Rahul Gandhi's accusations against the Modi government. Conflicting claims regarding payments and benefits raise questions about transparency and support for martyrs' families.
Army veterans worried about Agniveer scheme, say it will 'degrade' combat power and add to threats by China and Pakistan
Military experts express concerns about the Agnipath scheme impacting combat effectiveness and operational efficiency. The scheme demobilizes 75% of Agniveers after four years, affecting the Navy and Air Force. Suggestions for retention rate increase and tweaks to address shortage of combat-ready soldiers. Former military chiefs criticize the scheme's focus on reducing pension bill over national security.
Army shouldn't be involved in politics: Former IAF chief RKS Bhadauria slams Rahul Gandhi
Former Indian Air Force chief and BJP leader RKS Bhadauria criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for questioning the Agniveer scheme and demanded an apology for accusing Defence Minister Rajnath Singh of lying about compensation to the family of Agniveer Ajay Kumar. The Indian Army clarified that Ajay's family has received Rs 98.39 lakh of the due compensation and will receive a total of Rs 1.65 crore. Bhadauria defended the scheme's training quality and urged youth to join without being misled.
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.
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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)."
"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.
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.
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.
JD(U) call for Agnipath review correct, scheme withdrawal long overdue: Sanjay Singh
AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh supports JD(U)'s call for reviewing the Agnipath scheme, criticizing it as a betrayal to Agniveer, Mother India, and the Army. He emphasizes the scheme's negative impact on army training and readiness.
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.
'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.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi writes to Prez Droupadi Murmu on Agnipath scheme, urges her to intervene
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday wrote to President Droupadi Murmu against the Agnipath scheme, alleging there is "discrimination" in the nature and extent of benefits given to the families of slain soldiers. Urging the president to intervene, Gandhi said an "exception is warranted in this case" as she is the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of India and the issue affects national security.
India bloc govt will waive farm loans, scrap Agniveer scheme: Rahul Gandhi
Addressing an election rally at Simulia in Bhadrak Lok Sabha seat, Gandhi vowed to save the Constitution and democracy and announced that the INDIA bloc government would legalise MSP on foodgrains, waive farm loans and scrap the Agniveer scheme.
Agniveer scheme introduced to avoid pension to soldiers: Shashi Tharoor
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has criticised the BJP-led Centre for the Agniveer scheme, claiming it is a short-term military recruitment scheme to avoid pensions for soldiers. Tharoor argued that the government sends young recruits to the borders after six months of training and leaves them unemployed after four years. He cited the scheme's potential to damage the Indian Army's reputation and the country's unstable borders.
Agnipath a national security threat: Congress
Congress criticizes Modi govt's Agnipath scheme, citing national security threat and personnel shortage in Eastern Ladakh. Rahul Gandhi condemns the scheme, while Amit Shah defends it, offering job security for armed forces.
INDIA govt to scrap Agnipath scheme, send Rs 8,500 to women's accounts each month: Rahul Gandhi
The scheme, announced by the Narendra Modi government in 2022, envisages recruiting young soldiers, called 'Agniveers' after appointment, on a contractual basis for four years and retiring 75 per cent of them without certain benefits enjoyed by those who were not employed under this programme.
Haryana Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Spotlight on Agnipath as youth seek job stability
Haryana's political landscape is witnessing significant upheaval as the Agniveer scheme, under which soldiers are engaged for four years without a pension, becomes a focal point of discontent among rural youth. Political parties are pledging to revert to the old recruitment system, highlighting the scheme's impact on job security and aspirations, with many youngsters now favoring police or overseas jobs over military service.
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