Must debate

The entire sequence of events following the announcement of the Agnipath scheme has dented the credibility of the military leadership since it could not take into consideration the fact that candidates registered their names in 2019 in pursuance of the then recruitment norms (‘Glaring chinks in Agnipath armour’). Majority of them cleared all steps and were awaiting the joining letter. Covid disrupted the formalisation of recruitment. The military leadership, which the youth see as apolitical, unbiased and decisive, has disappointed all. The ‘yes-man’ culture is the order of the day. Also, the argument that the scheme will save funds is not clear. Still, there is enough scope to consider the case of the 2019-registered candidates who were in the process of getting inducted. Discussion and debates must continue at all platforms, including Parliament, so that the people of this country can know the aims and objectives of the scheme and how it will achieve them.

Ravi Bhushan, Kurukshetra

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Constitutional chink

War veterans agree with the article ‘Glaring chinks in Agnipath armour’, but I would like to point out that the writer missed the constitutional chink — the Agnipath scheme doesn’t have approval of Parliament. And why the Air Chief is in a hurry to give effect to an unconstitutional scheme is anybody’s guess.

Brig HS Ghuman (Retd), by mail

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Revise recruitment policy

The Agnipath scheme has failed to fulfil the aspirations of the youth (‘Political economy of Agnipath stir’). Despite official assurances and justification, the overhauled paradigm will attract poor quality human resource and undermine military professionalism, grounded in values such as discipline, integrity, commitment, sacrifice and duty. The government has done well to announce age enhancement, maintain the existing unit composition and 10 per cent reservation in Central police forces and Assam Rifles after retirement. As the country is confronted with unique operational challenges, it should further revise the recruitment policy rationally to give the youth a chance to serve the country for longer, and not only for four years.

DS Kang, Bahadurpur

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Need jobs, not promises

Refer to ‘Time for course correction’; solving the massive unemployment problem in the country should be the top priority. Having failed to generate jobs, the government is just leading the youth up the garden path. In the wake of the Agnipath scheme, some hope of sustainable service in the military too is gone. Jobless youths are indulging in destructive activities, as recently witnessed in UP. The government must realise that people cannot be fooled forever on false promises. All-out efforts are needed to create jobs in the public and private sectors to engage the youth constructively.

CS Mann, Una

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Not easy for Afghanistan

Apropos of ‘Helping Afghanistan’, for the helpless people of Afghanistan, the list of miseries just doesn’t end. The 6.1 magnitude earthquake has caused untold misery and deaths. The over four-decade war has resulted in little by way of a proper emergency management system in Afghanistan, while the present cash-strapped Taliban government is also not equipped to respond to a disaster of such magnitude. India is already playing its role in providing aid. The US and its allies, responsible for Afghanistan’s mess, must rise to the occasion to help the people.

Gregory Fernandes, Mumbai

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Can depend on India

There are no permanent friends in the international arena of nations. Nevertheless, India has been a resolute and all-weather crutch to Afghanistan in these trying times (‘Helping Afghanistan’). This is an investment which will pay off. India has good ties with Iran and Afghanistan. These two nations are the key to the vast sea of Middle East nations which hold endless possibilities for lasting ties and profitable trade in various sectors. One commendable task that the current government has done is to develop strong diplomatic ties with many countries.

Rewant Sharma, by mail

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Cooperatives in Punjab

The Punjab CM’s statement for plans to strengthen rural cooperatives for financial self-sufficiency through cluster-based agro-processing units will be keenly watched by the people in general and economists in particular. So far not much has been done by successive governments. Only the cooperative movement and institutions, devoid of political interest, can save Punjab from an economic crisis. Engaging youth in innovative cooperatives should be ensured and encouraged.

Brij Bhushan Goyal, Ludhiana

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