Agniveer Scheme Ensures Young, Battle-Ready Armed Forces: Finance Minister

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman defended the Agniveer scheme in Rajya Sabha, stating it will keep armed forces young and battle-ready by recruiting individuals aged 17-21. She dismissed political criticisms, emphasizing the scheme's importance for national interest and armed forces' acceptance.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has asserted that the Agniveer scheme will ensure the armed forces remain young and battle-ready. Addressing the Rajya Sabha, she dismissed political criticisms and emphasized that the recruitment of individuals aged 17-21 will guarantee fit soldiers on the front lines.

'One of the expected outcomes of the scheme is a younger force,' Sitharaman stated while responding to former finance minister P Chidambaram's remarks during the Union Budget discussion. She added that the armed forces have accepted the scheme.

Sitharaman stressed that the Agniveer scheme is vital for national interest, adding, 'There is no need for unnecessary worry. This initiative showcases our commitment to keeping our armed forces ready and fit.'