Defence Minister Declares National Security Top Priority, Lauds Agnipath Scheme

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended the Prime Minister's address to the first batch of Agniveers. In his remarks, the minister said that the government's top priority is to strengthen the country's security apparatus in the face of an ever-changing global scenario and geopolitical uncertainty.

Singh said that the MoD has made a number of decisions to empower the nation, citing the Agnipath scheme as one of the most significant reforms.

The Defence Minister went on to say that every effort is being made to ensure that the Agniveers and the Armed Forces can serve society with their strength and knowledge. According to him, the scheme is a pioneering step towards building a strong and prosperous “New India.”

Singh was pleased that the scheme received a positive response, with a large number of applicants showing up for the recruitment. He specifically mentioned the female Agniveers who are being trained alongside their male counterparts.

He also stated that several ministries, including the MoD, are stepping forward to help Agniveers. “Reservation is being ensured for Agniveers on a number of posts in various departments of the Ministry of Defence, Central Armed Police Forces and Ministry of Railways. The MoD and the Ministry of Education are working together to ensure that the Agniveers receive a proper education,” he added.

“Arrangements are being made in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance to provide loans at reasonable rates to Agniveers who wish to start self-employment or any business after service,” Singh said. Agniveers will become not only Surakshavers but also Samriddhiveers, he added.