Mallikarjun Kharge Urges President to Address Grievances of Youth Denied Armed Forces Appointments

In a letter addressed to the Honorable President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, has brought to light the plight of nearly two lakh young individuals who were selected for service in the Indian Armed Forces but were subsequently denied the opportunity to serve their nation. The letter emphasizes the need for justice and redressal for these individuals who had dedicated themselves to joining the armed forces.

Kharge’s letter underscores the hardships faced by the aspiring youth who underwent rigorous mental and physical tests, along with a written exam, to secure a position in the armed forces between 2019 and 2022. These hopeful candidates, who believed they were on the cusp of fulfilling their dreams, were left in limbo when the Government of India abruptly terminated the recruitment process on May 31, 2022, replacing it with the Agnipath Scheme.

The Agnipath Scheme, according to Kharge, has raised numerous concerns, including its unexpected introduction that caught military leadership off guard. Additionally, the scheme’s structure creates disparities among soldiers, offering varied emoluments, benefits, and prospects to different cadres. Moreover, the fate of Agniveers, who are expected to enter an uncertain job market after four years of service, poses potential risks to social stability.

However, Kharge’s primary focus remains on the injustice inflicted upon the lakhs of youth whose aspirations were shattered despite the government’s promise of employment. He highlights the financial burden placed on these individuals, with each applicant paying Rs. 250 for an application form, totaling a substantial amount of Rs. 125 crore, which was never refunded. The resulting despair and frustration have tragically led to several reported cases of suicide among affected individuals.

Expressing concern for the welfare of the country’s youth, Kharge implores the President to ensure justice and fairness for those who have been wronged. The letter serves as a poignant appeal to address the grievances of these young individuals and to uphold the principles of equity and justice in the recruitment process of the armed forces.

As the nation grapples with the repercussions of the recruitment policy shift, Kharge’s plea resonates as a call for accountability and compassion towards the aspirations of the youth who aspire to serve their country.