As the Government rolled out the ‘Agnipath scheme,’ several veterans cautioned against it terming it a “death knell” while some others favoured a wait and watch policy before giving a final view.
Critics said the new scheme will hit the fighting spirit and professionalism of forces. They have raised concerns that the four-year tenure may make soldiers risk-averse.
Lieutenant General (retired) Vinod Bhatia said the ‘Agnipath’ scheme, also called the Tour of Duty scheme earlier, will sound the death knell and for the armed forces.
"ToD (Tour of Duty) not tested, no pilot project, straight implementation. Will also lead to militarization of society, nearly 40,000 (75%) youth year-on-year back rejected and dejected without a job, semi trained in arms ex-Agniveers. Not a good idea. No one gains," Bhatia wrote on Twitter.
Group Captain (retired) Nitin Welde, who served in the Indian Air Force (IAF) for 22 years, said it is too early to criticise or appreciate the scheme. Major General (retired) Yash Mor criticised the Agnipath scheme, stating that more than anything else, he feels for the lakhs of youngsters who had lost all hope of recruitment in the last two years.
"Service headquarters too appear to be reluctant to implement this," Mor said in a tweet. Major General (retired) Satbir Singh said the ‘Agnipath’ scheme for the armed forces is not in keeping with the erstwhile military tradition, ethos, morals and values. "It will adversely effect efficiency and effectiveness of military," he added.
Lieutenant General (retired) P R Shankar said, "Many senior veterans have written with the wisdom of their experience. A common voice has emerged. The tour of duty does not seem to be a good idea. Proceed with caution." Shankar said on Twitter the Tour of Duty proposal expects a superman from a kindergarten student. "We might be producing an Abhimanyu but he will not get out of the Chakravyuh.
After five years of tour of duty, Arjuns will not be available in our next Mahabharata. The cutting edge units will not be able to fight. There are no runners up in war," he wrote on Twitter.