Agniveer First Batch: Prime minister Narendra Modi Defense Minister said on Monday (16 January) that the Agneepath scheme is a transformative policy and will prove to be a “game changer” in strengthening the armed forces and preparing them for future challenges. The Prime Minister said this while interacting with the firemen of the first batch of ‘Agneepath’, a short-term scheme for recruitment in all three forces, through video conference.
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Modi congratulated the Agniveers for taking the lead in this “path-breaking” scheme and said the scheme would empower women. He said that young Agniveer will make the armed forces more youthful and “tech savvy” (knowledgeable with modern technology and technology).
‘New India is full of new spirit’
Modi said, “Technically advanced soldiers will play an important role in our armed forces. The present generation of youth especially has this potential. That’s why Agniveer will play a leading role in our armed forces in times to come.” The Prime Minister said that New India is full of new vigor and efforts are on to modernize the armed forces as well as make them self-reliant.
Referring to the changing ways of waging war in the 21st century, the Prime Minister also discussed the new frontiers of contactless warfare and the challenges of cyber warfare during the interaction. Lauding the prowess of the Agniveers, the Prime Minister said their spirit reflects the bravery of the armed forces, which have always kept the nation’s flag flying high.
“The experience they will gain through this opportunity will be a source of pride for life,” he said. Appreciating the youth and the potential of Agniveers, the Prime Minister said that it is Agniveers who will lead the nation in the 21st century. going to provide leadership. The Prime Minister also told that this scheme will make women more empowered.
He expressed happiness over how women Agniveers are increasing the pride of the Navy. “He is keen to see women fire fighters in all the three forces,” he said. Citing the examples of women soldiers deployed in Siachen and women flying modern fighter aircraft, the Prime Minister told the fire fighters how women are serving the armed forces on various fronts. Leading. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh also participated in this dialogue programme.
PM Modi congratulates Agniveers on being pioneers of path-breaking Agnipath Scheme
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The announcement was made on 14 June
The government had announced the Agneepath scheme on June 14 last year to recruit soldiers in all three services (Army, Navy and Air Force). This scheme provides an opportunity to the youth of 17½ years to 21 years to serve in the armed forces for a period of four years. For the year 2022, the upper age limit has been increased to 23 years. Under this scheme, the youth joining the army will be named Agniveer.
However, after four years, only 25 per cent of the jawans from each batch will be retained in the respective services for a period of 15 years. Opposition parties have criticized the exercise but the government has said it will make the armed forces more youthful and meet its current needs.
Firefighters will get a variety of experiences
In his speech, the Prime Minister said that posting in different areas will give Agniveers an opportunity to gain diverse experiences and during this time they should try to learn about different languages, different cultures and ways of living. He said that enhancing team spirit and leadership skills would add a new dimension to his personality. He exhorted the Agniveers to be eager to learn new things and at the same time work on improving their skills in the areas of their choice.
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