The Centre's recently announced Agnipath scheme for recruitment of youth to the defence forces for those in the age group of 17.5 years to 23 years, has shattered the dreams and future of thousands of aspiring youth who had set their sights on serving the nation as defence personnel on a permanent basis, till the age of retirement, and on a comfortable life-long pension. Many had even passed the entrance examinations and were awaiting the final call, only to face the disappointment of having to re-qualify under the Agnipath scheme.
It goes without saying however, that the sole aim of Agnipath is to reduce the govt's defence budget burden of salaries and pensions, and not for the benefit the youth, by any reckoning. Increasing the qualifying age from 21 to 23 years would have proved beneficial, had it been done under the old scheme of recruitment -- not for a 4-year tenure. It is unfortunate though , that protests by the youth have taken a violent turn with the burning of railway property in Bihar and Telangana. But this is what is happening these days when govt decisions are taken in haste and without due consideration for the people, and in this case where the youth are left facing an uncertain future.
