‘Injustice to youth’: Congress’s Mallikarjun Kharge writes to President Murmu against Agnipath scheme

Kharge criticised the BJP-led central government for ending the regular recruitment process, arguing that the imposition of the Agnipath scheme for the armed forces has plunged the future of almost two lakh young men and women into uncertainty.

In his letter addressed to the President, Kharge said, “My main purpose in writing to you is to highlight the ‘anyay’ or injustice inflicted on the lakhs of youth whose dreams did not materialise despite the solemn promise made by the government of India.”

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“Recently, I met them and they told me that between 2019 and 2022, almost two lakh young men and women were informed that they had been accepted into the three armed services: the Indian Army, the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force. These young men and women had struggled against all odds to pass gruelling mental and physical tests and a written exam,” Kharge wrote.

He highlighted that until May 31, 2022, these individuals believed they had fulfilled their dreams and were awaiting joining letters. However, their aspirations were shattered when the Indian government decided to conclude the recruitment process and introduce the Agnipath scheme.

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The Congress president pointed out several issues with the Agnipath scheme, citing former Chief of Army Staff General MM Naravane’s surprise at its implementation for the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Kharge labelled the scheme as discriminatory among jawans, creating parallel cadres with varying emoluments, benefits, and prospects. “Furthermore, the scheme is discriminatory among our jawans by creating parallel cadres of soldiers who are expected to work on similar tasks, but with very different emoluments, benefits, and prospects. The majority of Agniveers will be released into an uncertain job market after four years of service, which some have argued could affect social stability,” the letter read.

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Kharge stressed the uncertainty in the process which has resulted in many youths ending their lives due to ‘frustration’.

“Not only did they spend years in pursuit of this dream, but the Rs 250 each of 50 lakh applicants had to pay to collect the application form was never refunded, which amounts to a hefty Rs 125 crore taken from these youngsters. The resulting frustration and hopelessness have even led to several reported deaths by suicide,” Kharge said.

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi also shared Kharge’s letter in a post on X, extending support to the ‘military candidates’. “We are with them in the fight for justice for the military candidates who are full of patriotism and bravery,” Gandhi wrote.

What is Agnipath recruitment scheme?

In June 2022, the government introduced the Agnipath recruitment scheme to bring down the age profile of the armed forces, allowing short-term induction of personnel. The scheme recruits individuals aged between 17-and-a-half years and 21 years for four years, with a provision to retain 25 per cent for an additional 15 years.

According to a government announcement, individuals selected in the program will be known as Agniveers and will serve for four years under a unique rank in the Armed Forces. After completing four years, they can apply for a permanent position in the Armed Forces based on organizational needs.

Up to 25 percent of each group of Agniveers may get a chance to join the regular Armed Forces cadre.