Amid growing controversies on the Agniveer scheme for short-term induction of soldiers, actor-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut has voiced her support for the initiative. Ranaut believes that even brief military service can significantly enhance an individual’s personality and character.
The actress took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to express her confidence in the scheme. “Agree, I too come from a small village, lack of confidence and presentation are major challenges for us who come from rural villages/government Hindi medium schools,” she began. Ranaut added, “Serving in the army even for a short period will not only groom you but also give you a personality/character (set of nationalistic and inclusive life values) along with etiquette and discipline and an opportunity to be a soldier if you want to be one. What else do you need to conquer the world?”
She emphasised the benefits of the scheme, noting, “And you get paid for all this training, imagine!! Wish I had such privileges growing up!! I had to train myself to be a soldier mentally, emotionally, and physically. Many classes I took, joined a gym and used to visit Ramakrishna Mission math while struggling to earn my bread and roof every day. Socho #AgniveerScheme.”
When a social media user questioned her about the future of these soldiers, asking, “And after 4 years, you will keep our so-called soldiers as guards at your house gate?” Ranaut responded robustly. “There are reservations for them in government security forces like CRPF, BSF and what is wrong in being a private guard? They earn their living with dignity and honesty, stop humiliating them just because you think they are unnecessary.”
She further defended the dignity of all work, stating, “If today university toppers can sell dosa or biryani on streets and slowly make crores per month by expanding their business on merit then no job is small, it depends on your calibre also, in this populated nation one has to be ready for competition as well, yes being a private guard or starting your own security company is also an option and it’s a great option.”
About the Agniveer Scheme
In June 2022, India announced the Agnipath, also known as the Agniveer scheme, to replace the legacy recruitment system. The new scheme aims to lower the age profile of the armed forces, ensure a fitter military, and create a technically skilled war-fighting force. The scheme is expected to reduce the average age of soldiers from the current 32 years to 24-26 years over the next five to six years.
Agniveer seeks to recruit soldiers for four years, with a provision to retain 25% of them in regular service for an additional 15 years after further screening. The announcement has received mixed responses in the political arena.
