Pics: Abhijith N Kolpe

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (LDS)

Mangaluru, Jun 27: Former minister Ramanath Rai lashed out at the Agnipath scheme and said it undermines the aspiring youth of the country who ardently wish to join the armed forces.

Addressing the media on Monday June 27, Rai said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi had promised to create two crore jobs annually in the country to the citizens but it hasn’t been fulfilled as yet.

“The army recruitment which was under process could not be held owing to the pandemic. It was observed that many had been anxiously waiting to be recruited. As per the earlier norms, a span of 5 years’ service in government entitled an employee to get gratuity and other benefits which is why the government deliberately made it four years of service under the Agnipath scheme,” he said.

Further, he added that the ruling party was only settling things on false claims, but did not do it in reality. “This has been a major setback to the aspirants and their hopes have crashed. The military canteen eligibility is excluded as the eligibility form does not include it,” he opined.

“Earlier, after retirement, the medical facility would be provided as said, but presently, they cannot avail it as it is not included in the form. The Agnipath scheme is aimed at benefiting the soldiers, but it is not quite helping them at all

“Congress is carrying out a campaign to oppose this decision nationwide, as other political parties are also doing the same.

“None of BJP’s promises has been fulfilled as mentioned in its manifesto. They are only creating chaos and mess, instead of addressing the true problem,” he said.

He termed the ruling party as a fascist government, replicating Hitler’s rule.

When asked about BJP state president Nalin Kumar Kateel’s statement that the government is not asking for Congress leaders’ children for Agnipath scheme, Rai replied, “Nalin is a comedian. I do not bother about his statement.”

District Congress president Harish Kumar, former mayor Harinath, Congress leader Naveen D’Souza, Ibrahim Kodijal and others were also present.