Mamta's 'insights' on Agnipath! West Bengal CM derogates national defence policy by saying 'attempt to employ BJP workers'

Kolkata, Jun 29: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee recently claimed that she has received a letter from the Central govt on the Agnipath recruitment scheme asking her to provide jobs to BJP workers. The Agnipath Scheme, which was approved by the cabinet on Jun 14, was launched in an effort to bring a change in the recruitment process of the Armed Forces.

 

 

 

 

While the WB CM was addressing a gathering on Tuesday (Jun 28), she said, "I received a letter (from the Centre) in which they urged the state govt to give jobs to Agniveers after four years. They want me to give jobs to BJP workers... why should we?... First priority will be given to state youth." On the contrary, the Agnipath Scheme, which was approved by the cabinet on Jun 14, aims to revolutionize the recruitment process of the Indian Armed Forces.

 

 

 

 

 

With the new military recruitment scheme facing criticism, the Centre decided to grant a one-time waiver and on Jun 16 announced that the upper age limit for recruitment through the Agnipath Scheme has been extended to 23 years from 21 years. According to the statement of the Ministry of Defence, the Agnipath scheme has been designed to enable a youthful profile of the Armed Forces.

 

Agnipath - the new military recruitment scheme is part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s major reform agenda. The move is expected to reduce the expenditure and age profile of the defence forces. Originally known as the ‘Tour of Duty entry scheme’ by the Indian Army, the Agnipath scheme had already proven beneficial on individual level for the 'Agniveers' since a number of corporates have already shown interest in availing services of such 'Agniveers' as they would be benefitted from hiring such trained military-trained disciplined manpower.