Again, the government has come up with yet another blunder – the Agnipath Scheme. It’s really astounding how they manage to do it over and over. In this ruling regime, one theatrical performance barely ends that a new once begins. Just when we are coming to grips with a change introduced recently, a new problem is thrown at us, almost like a shuttlecock at the badminton court, where on one side we have the party, and on the other, the citizens; It’s like a constant battle being played out between the two. But shouldn’t the two be on one side fighting the perennial problems—of rising fuel prices, unemployment, access to good healthcare, etc.—afflicting the country.

Well, that doesn’t seem to be on the horizon anytime soon. The moment I heard of youth being employed for a mere four-year contract on news, I instinctively blurted out – What The Fuck??? And I couldn’t help but ridicule it, despite not knowing the full details. If a simple layman like me, with no knowledge of the defence services, could scoff at the childish decision, I’m sure the Army, the Navy and the Airforce officers (of rank) would be laughing out loud right now, mocking and even deriding the policy makers’ miscalculation. How could the policy makers and then people holding chairs of power give a nod to such a silly proposal? Sure, the idea of deploying young, fit men is a welcome one, but as they get older, couldn’t these men be pushed to higher ranks based on their experience and expertise. It’s truly beyond my comprehension, why that can’t be!

Okay, I understand that government is trying to create jobs and wishes to give employment to the unemployed, but how is a four-year contract going to solve the problem of unemployment if 75 per cent of those after four years of training are going to be rendered useless. Would the youth be tempted to join in the first place? The simple answer is, NO…They might as well invest their time and energy somewhere else, doing something more long-lasting. This very youth should not be out looking for new career or job or line of work after a short stint in the defence services, it’s more like playing hopscotch. What is the point of joining defence services if some sort of security net isn’t provided for the recruited?

Also, there’s a certain sense of prestige associated with the job. Working for the defence services is a matter of pride for individuals belonging to the lower section of the pyramid, but now, with such changes, even those belonging to the poor class would not be tempted or motivated to take the path that offers no security. Moreover, pulling away the pensions of soldiers is more like discrediting their years of service. We must not forget that these are the very men who keep us secure by manning the line of control in severe cold and scalding-hot environments, and put their lives on the line at the very first counter of attack. It only makes me propound that every recruit should be given an opportunity to serve for at least 15 years, post which he should be given pension for a few years, say maybe be 5, so that in that time the person can establish a business or train himself for another line of work without having to worry about the basic needs of family and, of course, himself. I’m sure the tax given (directly & indirectly) by the citizens of our country can easily cover those costs.

Another worrisome problem that can arise from the Agnipath scheme is that, not many youngsters would seek job in the defence, making the size the of defence personal shrink from its current number. The shrinking army would pose new threats for the country, making it easier for the neighbouring countries to invade or spread terrorism. To counter these problems, we must have a sizable army at all fronts—sea, air and on ground. Therefore, policy makers must rack their brains harder to attract youth for a dangerous service, and also to provide a safety net.   

I feel, pulling back such policies and ensuring the interest of people must be put first by this government. We have to create job opportunities that are sustainable in the long run, such contractual opportunities are simply smokescreen of temporary solutions, not a concrete answer to unemployment.