New Delhi: Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Saturday appealed to youth protesting against the new recruitment scheme Agnipath to protest peacefully and in a non-violent manner, adding that Congress is standing in their support.
The message of the Congress President, who is currently admitted to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital of Delhi due to Covid related complications, was issued by Congress’ media department head Jairam Ramesh.
“My dear young friends, you wish to join the army and to serve the nation. I can understand the pain of recruitments not happening from last three years even as lakhs of posts are vacant in the Army,” Sonia Gandhi said in a message in Hindi.
“I am sad government had declared the new recruitment scheme ignoring the voice of the youth, which is totally directionless. Along with youth , several ex-servicemen and defence experts have also questioned it.”
She said the Indian National Congress was with the youth, and appealed to them to adopt the path of non-violence.
“Indian National Congress is standing with you firmly to roll back this scheme, we promise that we will struggle to get this scheme rolled back and protect your interests. Like a true patriot, we will walk on the path of truth, non-violence, patience and peace, and raise our voice,” she said.
“I request you to protest peacefully and in a non-violent manner for your legitimate demands. Indian National Congress is with you,” she added.
Protests have erupted across the country since Wednesday, after government announced the new recruitment scheme for the forces – Agnipath, under which youth would be recruited for four years as Agniveers. The forces will absorb 25 percent of the Agniveers after four years.
Home Ministry has announced a 10 percent reservation for Agniveers in CAPFs. Defence Ministry has also announced approved a 10 percent reservation for Agniveers with ‘required qualifications’ in the Ministry of Defence.
The 10 percent reservation will be implemented in the Indian Coast Guard and defence civilian posts, and all the 16 Defence Public Sector Undertakings. This reservation would be in addition to existing reservation for ex-servicemen.
