Convention opposing Agnipath Scheme held
Future of youth at stake if Agnipath scheme is not withdrawn: L Sotinkumar
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 02 2022: All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), Manipur general secretary L Sotinkumar has demanded withdrawal of the Agnipath scheme, stating that any further delay in doing so would put the future of the youth and the society at risk.

Coordinating Body of Trade Unions, Manipur in association with Farmers Joint Action Committee Manipur organised a convention against Agnipath Scheme at Irabot Bhawan, BT Road here on Saturday.

Speaking on the occasion, L Sotinkumar contended that the Agnipath scheme has threat ened the lives of the youth.

As such, many of them tried to storm the BJPs office, as it was insinuated that the scheme would replace the usual recruitment process to the army.

This is basically an invite for a huge public movement.

He then said that the opposition to the Agnipath scheme is also in correspond to the objection against the privatisation policy of the government and thus, failing to withdraw this scheme would deprive the youth of any hope.

informing that the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha would be organising a nationwide meet against the Agnipath Scheme in Ghaziabad on Sunday, Sotinkumar said that convention on Saturday was organised as a form of solidarity to the same.

He recounted the prolonged protest staged by Kisan Morcha, which ultimately led to the withdrawal of the three anti-farm bills.

Sanyukt Kisan Morcha will take a new form and defend the youth of the country against the Agnipath Scheme.

He continued: "A person after joining the army can remain in service for 35 years.

Previously, the government had promised to provide jobs to around 2 crore people, but was able to employ only 2-3 lakh.

Even if the youth have opened shops, they are included as part of the government's employment policy.

And now the temporary job they are providing is basically guarding the residences of the wealthy.

"Furthermore, the Agnipath scheme came about due to the proposal of cutting off two-third of the money used in army recruitment.

PM Modi's government is drenched in corruption as seen from the exaggeration of crores of rupees used in buying the Rafael jet.

His policy is all about contracts, which has made the lives of the people insecure.

In Manipur's context, the pay of MLAs in CM Biren's government has been increased to Rs 2.5 lakh", he said, while wondering whether the best step would not have been to reduce the pay when the state and country is suffering.

Sotinkumar then stated that the Agnipath scheme was introduced with the aim of reducing the benefits provided to defence employees and in short, could be regarded as an attempt to indulge in undemocratic activities.

He further recounted the various measures taken up by PM Modi government such as demonetisation, depositing money in the bank accounts of the poor, reducing black money circulation and others, all of which have ended miserably at the common people's expenses.

Meanwhile, the loans taken by the rich and wealthy were waived off as non-performing assets.

All of the schemes introduced till date including GST have catered to the benefit of the wealthy, he remarked.

The convention was also attended by Farmers' Joint Action Committee convenor H Ibobi Singh, All Manipur Agri Workers' Union president S Nilkamal, Lousal president M Churamani, CITU-Manipur State Committee Ksh Shanta as the presidium members.

Comment