Jay Jawan Abhiyan: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, on Wednesday, initiated the Jay Jawan Abhiyan aimed at seeking justice for 1.5 lakh young individuals across the country. These youth, selected for defence services, faced denial of entry following the implementation of the Agnipath scheme.Campaign InaugurationThe launch of the Abhiyan took place on the eighteenth day of the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, to address the grievances of these youths on various platforms.Agnipath Scheme ImpactRahul Gandhi highlighted the adverse consequences of the Agnipath Scheme, revealing that approximately 1.5 lakh candidates, selected for the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, and Indian Navy between 2019 and 2022, were prevented from joining.It is a fight for NYAY against this Anyay, Gandhi declared, emphasizing the campaigns dedication to those youths who have suffered this injustice.Press Conference HighlightsIn a press conference alongside the Nyay Yatra, Congress General Secretary for Communications, Jairam Ramesh, and senior leader Kanhaiya Kumar reiterated the campaigns purpose - to deliver justice to the affected youth.The party extended an invitation to the youth to join the Jay Jawan Abhiyan, providing a dedicated website, www.jayjawan.in, and a contact number, 9999812024, for registration.Partys Concerns and Opposition to Agnipath SchemeDuring the AICC headquarters press conference, Pawan Khera, Chairman of the Media and Publicity, raised concerns about the Agnipath scheme. He questioned why the opinions of defence experts were not sought before its launch, referencing a former army chiefs revelation about being surprised by the schemes initiation.Khera emphasized that the scheme was not only against the countrys interests but also jeopardized the aspirations of lakhs of youths. He underscored the absence of job security and martyrdom benefits for Agniveers compared to regular soldiers.Warnings from Defence ExpertsCol (Retd) Rohit Chaudhary, Chairman of the Ex-Servicemen Cell, cautioned against the Agnipath scheme, likening it to playing with fire and endangering the nations security. He pointed out a reduction of 3 lakhs in the defence forces strength since the schemes introduction.Expressing concerns about potential privatization, Col Chaudhary drew parallels with private armies like the Wagner Army in Russia, emphasizing that such forces do not win wars. He feared that the Prime Minister might delegate security responsibilities to capitalist friends within the private sector.Numbers and Monetary ImplicationsPawan Khera revealed that out of 60 lakh youth undergoing tests for selection, 1.6 lakh were selected. The government charged Rs 100 crores as an examination fee for these selections.As the Congress launches the Jay Jawan Abhiyan, the campaign seeks to rectify the perceived injustice inflicted on these aspirants and raises critical questions about the Agnipath schemes impact on national security.
