Jharkhand youths support Army’s Agniveer plan 

RAJ KUMAR

Ranchi, June 30: Amid protests, youths are showing interest in filling up forms for recruitment of Agniveer.

So far more than 1.65 lakh candidates from different parts of the country have filled up the forms online. A section of youths in Jharkhand capital informed that youths are enthusiastic about taking the scheme here also.

An alumnus of St Kuldeep School in Harmu, Siddhartha Kumar Singh, supported the information saying he has also planned to fill up the form to become Agniveer.

“I have planned to appear in the recruitment test. Let people think what they think about it,” Singh, son of a farmer in Garhwa settled in Ranchi for education, said.

“As the system of filling up forms is online, it is difficult to see the crowd of Angiveer aspirants but believe me the undercurrent is beyond expectation,” Singh said.

Singh is not alone. There are many like him who have either filled a form or have planned to do the same within a day or two.

Though non-BJP politicians supported the scheme, they are afraid to admit it publicly, but common people supported the scheme.

“For the poor having no source of livelihood and further education this is good as they will not get an opportunity to learn only but earn also. Most interesting is that no one is going to be a loser under the scheme. The Government will save money; unemployed will get learning and earning opportunities for four years while officers of armed forces will get young blood to create possibilities in the face of challenge. During four years of observation as Agniveer, the officers will also be able to select the best 25 percent for longer service,” a retired army personnel said.

A youth, who had to quit Navy job following injuries, echoed the same.

“Agniveer scheme is good as I have noticed many working at the lower positions are willing to quit their jobs after they join. Problem starts with them when they find themselves just obeying their boss. It is a good scheme as after retirement youths will have sufficient opportunity to get another government job where they will be able to make their own decision. Those trained in the army will remain in good demand at places due to their young age and gun training,” the youth said.

The Agnipath scheme is the government’s defence recruitment reform under which around 45,000 to 50,000 Agniveers will be recruited annually, and most will leave service in just four years.

Of the total annual recruits, only 25 per cent will be allowed to continue for another 15 years under permanent commission.

The new system is only for personnel below officer ranks (those who do not join the forces as commissioned officers). The scheme is not optional as all personnel below officer rank will be hired only through this route from now on. Under the Agnipath scheme, aspirants between the ages of 17.5 years and 21 years will be eligible to apply.

Indian Air Force (IAF) has released the latest notification for the recruitment of Agniveer in the Indian Air Force through the Air Force Agneepath Scheme 2022.

Indian Airforce Agniveer Recruitment 2022: Overview