Congress demands restoration of permanent military recruitment in India

The Congress party has called for the immediate cancellation of the Agnipath scheme, labeling it detrimental to national security. The party is demanding the restoration of the previous permanent military recruitment system for the armed forces.

Colonel (Retd) Rohit Chaudhary, head of the Congress former soldiers' wing, noted that the government recently proposed changes as the first batch of Agniveers nears the completion of their four-year term. Under the new proposal, 75 percent of Agniveers would receive a two-year extension, allowing those who meet selection criteria to become permanent after six years, while the remainder would be discharged.

Chaudhary demanded that the 25 percent of Agniveers who are made permanent receive the same benefits and facilities as permanent soldiers from their initial date of recruitment. Specific demands include 90 days of annual leave, permission to marry, and lifelong pensions and privileges for the families of Agniveers who die in service. The party has launched the ‘Jai Jawan Part 2’ campaign to advocate for these rights and job security.