'Open To Changes': Here's What Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Said On Agniveer Scheme Ahead Of Lok Sabha Polls

In a latest move, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has conveyed the government's openness to alterations in the Agniveer recruitment scheme, if deemed necessary, during his address at the Times Now Summit.

As reported by ANI, Singh said that his government is "open to change" in the Agniveer recruitment scheme if necessary.

While defending the Agniveer scheme, Singh highlighted the significance of youthfulness in the defence forces.

Asserting that youthfulness is necessary in the defence forces, Singh said, "Sena mein youthfulness honi chahiye (There should be youthfulness in the Army). The youth, I feel, are more enthusiastic. They are more tech-savvy. We have taken proper care that their future is also secure. We will also make changes if there is a need."

It's important to note that under the Agniveer scheme, recruits serve a tenure of four years, comprising six months of training followed by 3.5 years of deployment.

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Upon retirement, they have the opportunity to apply for continued service in the armed forces.

Further, in a push to 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat', the Union Minister said that the central government wants to make India an exporter country for engines.

"I have asked DRDO to explore what kind of engines can be made in India and what countries are ready to transfer the technology, as we want to make engines in India now. We want to make India an exporter country for engines. Engines will be built in India and by the Indians," he added.

On the opposition's claim that China has occupied India's land, Singh said that the borders of the country are completely safe.

"We should have complete faith in our army. I want to assure countrymen that our country and its borders are completely safe," the Defence Minister added. 

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