PANJIM: Amid raging violence in several cities protesting the Central government’s Agnipath Scheme for recruiting soldiers across three defence services, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Goa has maintained that young job aspirants will be provided with an opportunity to serve in the regular cadre of the Armed Forces.
“I appeal to all the youth to take benefit of the scheme as it will reduce unemployment and most importantly give them an opportunity to serve the nation. The candidates will also get exposure by way of training before being recruited into the armed forces,” MLA Daji Salkar, accompanied by Yuba Morcha of the party, said at a press conference at the BJP headquarters on Thursday.
Several job aspirants in different parts of the country have resorted to violence against the new defence recruitment path as concerns are raised over job security and post-service benefits.
The BJP leader stated while 25 per cent soldiers who complete their term will be taken forward based on merit, the remainder will be given certificates and lump sum amounts. These retired personnel will still have a chance to apply for government jobs or take a loan from banks to start a business venture.
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on June 14, approved the Agnipath Scheme that envisages the recruitment of personnel below officer rank (PBOR) in the Army, Air Force and Navy for four years, including six months of training. Soldiers recruited under the Agnipath model will be called “Agniveers”, who will form a distinct rank in the three services, and will also wear a distinct insignia as part of their uniform.
