Terming the Agnipath scheme for recruitment as a “transformative policy” which will be a “game changer” in strengthening the armed forces, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 16, 2023 said that the young Agniveers will make the forces more youthful and tech savvy.
Virtually addressing the Agniveers undergoing training at various training centres across the country, Mr. Modi their spirit is reflective of the bravery of the armed forces which has always kept the flag of the nation flying high.
Talking of how the scheme will further empower women, Mr. Modi expressed happiness at how women Agniveers are adding pride to the Naval forces, and said that he looks forward to seeing women Agniveers in all three forces. There are around 270 women Agniveers of the close to 2800 Agniveers recruited in the first batch by the Navy.
The Prime Minister said that New India is filled with renewed vigour, and efforts are underway to modernise our armed forces as well as make them Aatmanirbhar. Noting that in the 21st century, the way wars are fought is changing, with new fronts of contactless warfare and challenges of cyber warfare, he said technologically-advanced soldiers will play a key role in our armed forces.
In his address, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh pointed out that several ministries, including MoD, are coming forward for the welfare of Agniveers. “Reservation is being ensured for Agniveers on a number of posts in various departments of Ministry of Defence, Central Armed Police Forces and Ministry of Railways. Arrangements are being made jointly by MoD and Ministry of Education to ensure proper education to the Agniveers.”
Mr. Singh added that in collaboration with Ministry of Finance, arrangements are being made to provide loans at reasonable rates to Agniveers, who wish to start self-employment or any business after service.