AAP leader Harshdev wants ‘Agneepath’ scheme scrapped

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The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Saturday asked the Modi government to revoke the controversial Agneepath scheme for recruitment to defence forces that has triggered violent protests across the country.

Former minister and senior AAP leader Harshdev Singh told mediapersons here that the scheme should be scrapped in the interest of the youth and armed forces. Introduction of ‘adhocism’ disguised as Agneepath scheme into the Indian defense system would prove counter- productive and have serious fall out, he warned.

Decrying the “Agneepath scheme” as a draconian policy opposed to the interests of the youth, Singh lambasted the BJP led government for setting the entire nation on fire with its “whimsical” defense recruitment policy.

Singh said that the Union Cabinet’s nod for recruitment of contractual soldiers in the Indian defense system under the scheme has only stirred the hornet’s nest. He rued that it has caused commotion, unrest and ruckus among the young aspirants all over the country who were awaiting their written examinations for their regular selection in the defense services.

Taking a potshot at the BJP government, Singh said that the “Saffron Brigade” has been experimenting with the country by bringing “freakish laws and anti-people policies”.

“Previously, farmers were forced to languish on roads for more than a year amid introduction of controversial farm bills. This time, the government has resorted to playing with the recruitment process pertaining to the defense sector without any deliberations and pilot study. This would hurt the traditional values and the pristine glory of our armed forces,” he added.