There’s need for fresh and enthusiastic jawans: Rajnath Singh on why Agnipath Scheme is important

Oct 02, 2024

New Delhi, Oct 2 (ANI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on October 2 slammed Rahul Gandhi for his comment on the Agnipath scheme and said that he is trying to mislead people unnecessarily. He also clarified about Agnipath scheme by saying that Agniveer is provided a one-time package of around Rs 12 Lakhs after 4 years of service. He also announced that every Agniveer will be provided government jobs in Haryana. “Rahul Gandhi is trying to mislead people unnecessarily...I would like to make it clear that in the wake of situation across the world, the need for fresh and enthusiastic jawans was being felt for a long time. Different countries, like US, Britain, France, Russia, Israel, China introduced short-term engagements...For these short-term engagements, there are different provisions for jawans. Agnipath scheme was started in India after consent by all the armed forces in the country. Congress leaders are spreading lies that after they complete their service, jawans will have to run from pillar to post for income. The truth is that every Agniveer is provided a one-time package of around Rs 12 Lakhs after 4 years of service. This is completely tax-free. 25 pc of the Agniveers will continue as regular in the armed forces on the basis of merit. Several states like Haryana, UP, Rajasthan, Odisha, Assam, MP, Chhattisgarh, Arunachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Uttarakhand and Goa have announced reservation for the remaining Agniveers in government jobs...For Agniveers in Haryana, BJP has made it clear in its manifesto that every Agniveer will be provided government jobs. This shows that Agniveer is like our family. Congress leaders have lied that if an Agniveer dies in service, his family won't get anything. This is a lie...If an Agniveer dies in active military service, there is provision for his family to be given more than Rs 1.5 crore...Rs 12 Lakhs package will also be given at the end of the service. Besides there is Rs 44 Lakh ex-gratia payment and Rs 48 Lakhs without premium through bank. Govt has also signed MoU with different banks, under this insurance compensation between Rs 50 Lakhs to Rs 1 Crore is provided. Agniveers do not need to pay a premium for this...Rahul Gandhi and Congress have spread misinformation, I think this would have put even Joseph Goebbels to shame...,” said Rajnath Singh.