The Agneepath project has many flaws: Retired Deputy Chief of Army Staff

- Modernization of armies stalled due to lack of funds: Defense - Most of the funds are used for pensions

New Delhi: The recently introduced Tour-of-Duty (TOD) Agneepath scheme has drawn strong protests from many youths as they have not received any definite assurance that they will be recruited after the training. On the other hand, Raj Kadya, a retired Deputy Chief of Army Staff, has pointed out the flaws in the scheme and the peaceful protests started by the youth against the riots. Has also expressed grief and harshly criticized the damage done to public property.

He also drew attention to the fact that the modernization of the army was stalled due to lack of funds. Most of the funds are used only for pensions. However, since the youth have to join this Agnivir scheme for only 3 years, there is no question of pension for them. That is why there is dissatisfaction among the youth. On the other hand, the announcement to include firefighters in the private sector has not yet convinced the youth.

Although the government later announced that the Agneepath scheme to reduce military pensions had not been implemented, the atmosphere of mistrust would continue to recede from the firefighters.

Left Jan. (Retd.) Raj Kadayan further said that it is non-existent that reducing the average active age of a soldier from 3 to 4 can increase the capacity of a soldier. The assurance of keeping the army younger by that is also not to be swallowed. This is just arithmetic and nothing else. Such findings ignore the soldier's experience and mental anguish. However, the retired officer admitted that only young soldiers had won the Kargil war, although young age could not be the only norm. As the Commander of Assam Rifles, I took charge for 3 years. At that time even 8 year old soldiers were physically fit. The age of physical ability is never an obstacle in duty.