GEHLOT DEMANDS WITHDRAWAL OF SCHEME, PILOT ECHOES CONCERNS

New Delhi: With opposition uniting over Agnipath Scheme of the Union government and trying to showcase it in a bad light, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok gehlot also tweeted his reservations in this regard on Thursday.

In a series of tweets, Gehlot said, “It is a not prudent decision to make contractual recruitment in a sensitive institution like the army. The army was kept free from non-political and financial shackles till now. On one hand, it was argued that the New Pension Scheme (NPS) was not implemented in the army only so that the soldiers could contribute without worrying about the future. Agneepath scheme is playing with the future of youth and the security of the country. Thousands of youths of Rajasthan join the army to serve the country. There is anger and resentment among lakhs of youth of India including Rajasthan due to Agneepath scheme. In view of the way the youth are protesting in anger all over the country, the Central Government should withdraw this scheme without any delay. I appeal to the youth not to take the path of violence in protest.”

Meanwhile, echoing his sentiments, on the same lines as Gehlot, exRaj Dy CM Sachin Pilot addressed a presser and said. “Prior to doing this, government should have filled the vacant 1.20 lakh posts in army. Such schemes should not be imposed on the army over stubborness and arrogance. Those for whom the scheme has been brought, are on the roads. There are less benefits of the scheme while losses are more.

CM Ashok Gehlot & BJP State Prez Satish Poonia have come face to face on ‘Agneepath.’ “Right from youth of Raj to those of nation, Agneepath scheme has been supported by all. The youth should understand scheme’s reality & avail this opportunity. I welcome the decision of PM Modi to recruit Agniveers via Agneepath scheme for recruitment of youth into the army,” Poonia said.