Prafulla Ketkar, editor of RSS-affiliated magazine Organiser, hailed the Agniveer scheme as a key initiative to prepare civilians for crisis situations. The scheme, launched in 2022, provides basic military training to young individuals for a short-term, four-year service period.
Ketkar linked the scheme to India’s broader strategy for dealing with national security threats, stating, “The purpose of the Agniveer scheme is to produce military-trained individuals who can be deployed when a crisis arises.”
[news_related_post]However, critics argue the scheme has ulterior motives. Former Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy claimed it’s a plan to bring the army under RSS control. Navaid Hamid, former president of the All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat, echoed similar concerns.
The Agniveer scheme has faced criticism from various quarters, with senior politician KC Tyagi questioning its credibility. Tyagi later resigned from his position.
The debate surrounding the Agniveer scheme highlights India’s evolving national security landscape and the need for preparedness amid global uncertainties.
