Agniveer Scheme: Ensuring a Younger and Battle-Ready Armed Forces

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman reassured that the Agniveer scheme, aimed at recruiting young soldiers aged 17.5-21, will keep India's armed forces battle-ready and youthful. Dismissing any political concerns, she emphasized the scheme's strategic importance for national security.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has asserted that the Agniveer scheme, which focuses on recruiting young soldiers aged 17.5-21, will significantly enhance the readiness and youthfulness of India's armed forces. Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, she urged against politicizing the initiative.

The minister dismissed criticisms surrounding the scheme, emphasizing that it aims to ensure India continues to have a youthful frontline of soldiers. She highlighted the acceptance and support of the armed forces for the scheme.

Refuting concerns of potential distortions, Sitharaman reiterated that the Agniveer scheme was introduced with a strong commitment to national interest. She addressed remarks from senior Congress leader P Chidambaram during a general discussion on the Union Budget, underlining the scheme's critical role in maintaining a battle-ready military.