Northeast Chief Ministers hail Central Government for Agnipath scheme

GUWAHATI: Chief Ministers of several Northeastern States on Wednesday hailed the Central Government for launching the 'Agnipath' scheme for recruitment of youth in the armed forces.

On Tuesday, the Union Cabinet had approved the Agnipath recruitment scheme for youth to serve in the armed forces. Soldiers recruited under the scheme will be inducted into the forces as 'Agniveers'. The Agnipath model will see the recruitment of personnel below officer rank (PBOR) in the Army, Air Force and Navy for four years, including six months of training.

Hailing the new scheme, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh tweeted: "In a move which will make our armed forces more youthful, the Agnipath scheme will open the doors for the youth to join the country's premier armed forces as Agniveers."

On the other hand Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu tweeted: "Agniveers returning from 'Agnipath' scheme will be given preference in the State Police/MR/IRB recruitment. We are excited about the unique programme 'Agnipath' for recruiting youth in the armed forces for 4 years. Grateful to Hon'ble PM Shri Narendra Modi and and Hon'ble Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh for this opportunity to the Young, Youthful India."

In a separate tweet, Pema Khandu said: "46,000 Agniveers will be recruited this year, and the rallies for it will start in 90 days. The scheme is designed to ensure that our armed forces have a younger, fitter, diverse profile for facing future challenges."

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha has also hailed the Agnipath scheme and thanked the Prime Minister. (IANS)

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