Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has written a letter to President Droupadi Murmu asking for her urgent attention to the discrimination in the benefits provided to the families of martyred Agniveers under the Agnipath scheme. Highlighting her role as the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Gandhi appealed for an exception to be made to address this issue affecting national security. He also mentioned the opposition of his coalition to the scheme and requested the President's intervention in this matter.
Agnipath Scheme: Rahul Gandhi Writes to President Murmu, Raises Concerns over Discrimination
The Agnipath scheme, introduced by the Indian government in June 2022, has sparked widespread protests and concerns. The scheme involves the recruitment of young people into the armed forces for a four-year period, after which only a quarter of them will be retained for regular service.
Rahul Gandhi's Letter
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has written a letter to President Droupadi Murmu, expressing concerns about the discrimination in benefits provided to the families of martyred Agniveers under the scheme. He highlighted the discrepancy between the benefits extended to families of regular soldiers and those of Agniveers. According to Gandhi, this discrimination undermines the morale of the armed forces and compromises national security.
Background
The Agnipath scheme has faced opposition from various quarters, including military veterans, political parties, and potential recruits. Critics argue that the short tenure of four years will not provide sufficient training and experience for young people to effectively serve in the armed forces. They also express concerns about the lack of job security and pension benefits for those who are not retained after their initial term.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
1. What is the Agnipath scheme? A: The Agnipath scheme is a short-term recruitment initiative for the Indian armed forces that allows young people to serve for a period of four years.
2. What is the age limit for Agnipath recruitment? A: The age limit for Agnipath recruitment is 17.5 to 21 years.
3. What are the benefits offered to Agniveers under the scheme? A: Agniveers will receive a monthly salary, medical insurance, and a one-time lump sum payment called the 'Seva Nidhi' at the end of their four-year term.
4. What happens to Agniveers after their four-year tenure? A: At the end of their four-year term, only 25% of Agniveers will be retained for regular service. The remaining 75% will be released from the armed forces.
5. What are the concerns raised about the Agnipath scheme? A: Concerns about the Agnipath scheme include the short tenure, lack of job security, and potential impact on the morale of the armed forces.
Conclusion
The Agnipath scheme remains a controversial issue, with ongoing protests and debates. While the government has defended the scheme as a necessary step to modernize the armed forces, critics maintain that it does not adequately address the concerns of potential recruits and their families. The letter written by Rahul Gandhi highlights the ongoing concerns surrounding the discrimination in benefits for the families of martyred Agniveers and calls for the President's intervention to address this issue.
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