New Delhi, Oct 28 (NationPress) The Congress party has reignited its efforts to eliminate the Agniveer short-term military recruitment scheme, labeling it a serious threat to national security, youth employment, and the morale of armed forces.

During a press conference at the AICC headquarters, Col (retd) Rohit Chaudhary, the Chairman of the Ex-Servicemen Department, initiated the "Jai Jawan Campaign Part 2," promising to regularize all Agniveers and restore permanent pensionable service.

The Agniveer program, introduced in 2022, recruits young individuals for a four-year term, with only 25% being retained for full military service. Chaudhary expressed concern that the remaining recruits would face uncertain futures.

A recent notification from the Haryana government regarding the absorption of retiring Agniveers into private security firms—under various ministries' administrative control—has sparked significant backlash.

“Is this the future promised by Union Home Minister Amit Shah—transforming soldiers into private guards?” Chaudhary questioned, accusing the BJP of betrayal.

He also pointed out that over 150,000 selected candidates in the Army and Air Force have had their recruitment canceled since before 2022, pledging their reinstatement under Congress governance.

The party's manifesto for the Lok Sabha elections commits to abolishing the Agniveer scheme immediately if they return to power. Chaudhary argued that the scheme compromises the combat readiness of the forces.

“Operation Sindoor demonstrated Agniveers operating S-400 systems, yet 75% will be dismissed without pensions or job security,” he stated.

The Congress asserts that the Agniveer scheme has reduced the regular troop strength from 1.5 million to 1.1 million, with around 200,000 positions occupied by short-term recruits.

“This is not modernization; it’s cost-cutting that jeopardizes security,” Chaudhary claimed, accusing the government of favoring private conglomerates.

“Four-year trained Agniveers will be handed over to private armies,” he alleged.

Rahul Gandhi has continuously highlighted the disparities faced by Agniveers in Parliament, particularly in terms of martyr compensation—regular soldiers can receive up to Rs 2.83 crore with a lifelong pension, whereas Agniveers receive none.

Congress argues that the scheme violates the promise of permanent, pensionable employment. With elections in Bihar on the horizon, where 11% of serving soldiers originate, Congress plans to launch state-wide awareness campaigns.

“We will advocate from the streets to Parliament,” Chaudhary declared. “The Agniveer scheme must end. India requires a robust, regular army.”

This renewed initiative coincides with the impending retirement of the first batch of Agniveers in January 2026.