Centre defends 'Agnipath' scheme

To address the ongoing criticism surrounding the ‘Agnipath’ scheme for the Indian Armed Forces, the Ministry of Defence has issued a robust defence of the initiative, emphasising its benefits and clarifying misconceptions.

The scheme, which aims to create a younger, more agile force with enhanced risk-taking capabilities, has been designed to meet the modern operational challenges faced by the military.

The government has reaffirmed that ‘Agniveers’, the term for those enrolled under the scheme, will undergo advanced training programmes integrating cutting-edge technology. This is expected to ensure that they are well-equipped to handle the demands of military service. The training standards, closely monitored by the highest authorities in the Armed Forces, are set to guarantee that ‘Agniveers’ meet the highest professional standards.