Is Reservation The Balanced Approach To Agneepath Scheme Success?

The Agneepath scheme was meant to induct younger talent into the country. But the decision seemed to have backfired over communal issues, again. Three days and more than 600 people have been arrested with some 130 FIRs filed. Once filed, the police is obligated to take action against it.

Bihar, Punjab and parts of UP saw huge protests amongst youth. Reservation seems to be the call to action. Its sad but even the armed forces are looking for reservations. Internet had to be suspended in 12 districts of Bihar of the 38. The protest had gradually taken communal proportions, as it always happens in our country.

The promising government scheme was intended to induct highly skilled and motivated youth from all strata of society. More than 300 train routes were badly affected through the last three days.

The government was forced to give reservation of 10 percent to Agniveers. These will be spread across CAPFs for Agniveers, and give them a 3-years age relaxation too. So they can join from the age of 21 than of the age of 24.

What is the Agneepath scheme?

With the intent of building the right foundation of the country, the scheme would provide aviation, shipping and automotive-related skilling courses as these have been identified as key areas for India’s development. Courses on drone technology and management, armoured vehicles management, submarine and shipping industry will also be now provided. The Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has alerted its relevant Sector Skills Council to help develop Agniveer-specific courses.

It is envisaged that the skills Agniveers may have acquired in service will be given academic credits. It is planning at a whole new level. A recent message by the Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari said, that, “The domains of warfare are changing, we need younger, more tech-savvy people in the services. For the IAF in particular, we will benefit from having to select the more technically qualified people for their particular job that they are going to do in future in the Air Force.”

The Indian Army has been candid in saying, “don’t look at this as a cushy job. There is a sense of pride and great responsibility in defending your country. Understand the seriousness of it, before you plunge into it.”

So, whether reservations are justified when such sentiment is being communicated is something time will tell, as recruitments will not be as fair as they should have been.