(Image credits: PTI)
NEW DELHI: The Congress on Thursday slammed the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) over its directive asking states and Union territories to facilitate the recruitment of ex-Agniveers into private security agencies and training institutes after they complete their term with the armed forces.Criticising the BJP, Congress leader Pawan Khera said on X that the government’s “patriotism” for the Army can be seen in how it “wants to turn the soldiers guarding the border into mere ‘security guards’ stationed outside the colony.” “This is their patriotism! This is their respect for the army!” he added.The MHA’s letter, sent to all states and UTs, urged authorities to support the smooth career transition of ex-Agniveers by helping them find employment in the private security sector, citing their prior experience in military service.The Agnipath scheme, launched in June 2022, aims to lower the age profile of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. It recruits youth between 17-and-a-half and 21 years of age for a four-year term, with 25 per cent of them eligible to be retained for an additional 15 years. The first batch of Agniveers will complete their term next year.In June this year, the government tasked the home ministry with coordinating efforts to support Agniveers’ post-service career progression. It has reserved 10 per cent of vacancies for ex-Agniveers in recruitment to Constable (General Duty) and Rifleman posts in the Central Armed Police Forces and the Assam Rifles, including the CISF and BSF.The government has also provided age relaxation and exemption from the Physical Efficiency Test for ex-Agniveers. Several central departments and agencies have already announced plans to recruit them.