📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Kevin McCarthy
Politics
Congress urges rollback of Agniveer scheme, cites Uttarakhand youth demand for permanent jobs
✍️ The New Indian Express
🗓 18 Sep 2026, 03:32 AM
👁 8
The Congress party has called for the Agniveer scheme to be withdrawn, arguing that young people, especially in Uttarakhand, prefer permanent employment over a four‑year tenure.
New Delhi, Sep 17 — The Indian National Congress has formally requested the central government to scrap the Agniveer component of the National Youth Protection Scheme. Party officials argue that the four‑year service stint does not align with the aspirations of young Indians, who are increasingly seeking secure, lifelong employment.
In a statement released today, Congress highlighted feedback from youth groups in Uttarakhand, noting that the state's young population is demanding permanent jobs rather than short‑term contracts. The party said the Agniveer model, which enlists volunteers for a limited period, fails to address this core concern.
Congress also called for a dedicated policy framework for Uttarakhand that would create long‑term job opportunities in sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and renewable energy. The party urged the government to prioritize skill development and direct recruitment drives to meet the state's employment needs.
The demand comes as the central government continues to promote the Agniveer scheme as a means to bolster national security and youth engagement. Analysts suggest that the political debate may influence upcoming policy revisions, especially in states where youth unemployment remains high.
No official response from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has been recorded as of this reporting.
In a statement released today, Congress highlighted feedback from youth groups in Uttarakhand, noting that the state's young population is demanding permanent jobs rather than short‑term contracts. The party said the Agniveer model, which enlists volunteers for a limited period, fails to address this core concern.
Congress also called for a dedicated policy framework for Uttarakhand that would create long‑term job opportunities in sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and renewable energy. The party urged the government to prioritize skill development and direct recruitment drives to meet the state's employment needs.
The demand comes as the central government continues to promote the Agniveer scheme as a means to bolster national security and youth engagement. Analysts suggest that the political debate may influence upcoming policy revisions, especially in states where youth unemployment remains high.
No official response from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has been recorded as of this reporting.