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Congress Vows to Scrap Agniveer Scheme—Why It's a 'National Security Threat'

The Congress party has launched a major campaign against the Agniveer military recruitment scheme. They're calling it a grave danger to national security and military morale. The party promises to scrap the scheme immediately if they come to power. They also plan to regularize all current Agniveers and restore permanent pensionable service.

Key Points: Congress Pledges to Abolish Agniveer Military Recruitment Scheme

  • Congress promises immediate scrapping of Agniveer scheme if elected to power
  • Scheme accused of reducing regular troop strength from 15 to 11 lakh
  • 75% of Agniveers face uncertain futures without pension or secure jobs
  • Party highlights unequal martyr compensation between regular soldiers and Agniveers
2 min read

Congress promises to scrap Agniveer scheme, labels it 'national security threat'

Congress launches campaign to scrap Agniveer scheme, calling it a national security threat and promising to regularize all short-term military recruits with permanent pensionable service.

"This is not modernisation—it's cost-cutting at the expense of security - Col (retd) Rohit Chaudhary"

New Delhi, Oct 28

The Congress has reignited its campaign to abolish the Agniveer short-term military recruitment scheme, branding it a “grave danger” to national security, youth employment, and armed forces morale.

At a press briefing at AICC headquarters, Col (retd) Rohit Chaudhary, Chairman of the Ex‑Servicemen Department, launched “Jai Jawan Campaign Part 2”, pledging to regularise all Agniveers and reinstate permanent pensionable service.

Introduced in 2022, the Agniveer scheme enlists youth for four years, with only 25 per cent retained for full service. The remainder, Chaudhary warned, face uncertain futures. A recent Haryana government notification directing absorption of retiring Agniveers into private security agencies—under administrative control of various ministries—drew sharp condemnation.

“Is this the future promised by Union Home Minister Amit Shah—turning soldiers into private guards?” Chaudhary asked, accusing the BJP of betrayal. He highlighted pre‑2022 recruitment cancellations affecting 150,000 selected candidates in the Army and Air Force, promising their reinstatement under Congress rule. The party’s Lok Sabha manifesto committed to scrapping Agniveer immediately upon returning to power.

Chaudhary alleged the scheme undermines combat readiness. “Operation Sindoor showcased Agniveers operating S‑400 systems, yet 75 per cent will be discarded without pension or secure jobs,” he said. Congress claims Agniveer has reduced regular troop strength from 15 lakh to 11 lakh, with nearly 200,000 positions filled by short‑term recruits. “This is not modernisation—it’s cost‑cutting at the expense of security,” Chaudhary asserted.

The party accuses the government of favouring private conglomerates. “Four‑year trained Agniveers will be handed to private armies,” Chaudhary alleged. Rahul Gandhi has repeatedly raised Agniveer disparities in Parliament, including unequal martyrdom compensation—regular soldiers receive up to Rs 2.83 crore with lifelong pension, while Agniveers get none. Congress insists the scheme violates promises of permanent, pensionable jobs.

With Bihar elections looming—from where 11 per cent of serving soldiers hail—Congress plans state‑wide awareness drives. “We will fight from the streets to Parliament,” Chaudhary declared. “Agniveer must go. India needs a strong, regular army.” The renewed offensive coincides with the first batch of Agniveers set to retire from January 2026.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As a mother of a young boy who dreams of joining the army, this scheme worries me deeply. Why create uncertainty for our youth? Permanent service with pension was much better for both soldiers and national security.
M
Michael C
While I understand the concerns about job security, let's not forget that many countries have short-term military service programs. The key is proper rehabilitation and job placement after service ends. Both parties need to work on this.
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Anjali F
The inequality in martyrdom compensation is shocking! How can we treat our soldiers differently? One India, one army should mean equal respect and benefits for all who serve the nation. 😔
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Siddharth J
Congress is playing politics with national security. They had 60+ years to reform the military but did nothing. Now they're making promises before elections. We need practical solutions, not political rhetoric.
K
Kavya N
My cousin joined as Agniveer last year. The training is excellent but the uncertainty about future is always there. Government should at least guarantee proper jobs in police or other security forces after completion of service.
V
Vikram M
Reducing regular troops from 15 lakh to 11 lakh is alarming! With China and Pakistan at our borders, we need experienced, permanent

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