Agniveer Scheme faces criticism as recruit arrested for theft

An Agniveer recruit has been arrested for theft in Mohali, Punjab, raising questions about India’s controversial military recruitment scheme. Police identified the suspect as Ashmeet Singh, who allegedly stole multiple motorcycles using illegal weapons.

The Agniveer scheme, introduced by Narendra Modi’s government in June 2022, aims to recruit youth aged 17-21 for four-year military service terms. Critics argue that the program may lead to unemployment and potential security risks after the short service period.

Opposition leader Mallikarjun Kharge criticized the scheme, stating that the Modi government is using it for political purposes. Some of Modi’s allied parties have called for the scheme’s termination, claiming it poses a threat to the national defense system.