Army's Aginveers: Can protestors become Soldiers?

Serving the nation by joining the Indian Army is the dream of many youngsters. While many write the most difficult National Defence Academy (NDA) entrance, only 1% of them pass through it. Eeven among them, only the fittest will complete the full training at the prestigious NDA, Khadakwasala. Others write Short Service Commission (SSC) in the Army after completing graduation and realize their dream. 

The Indian government to make more people join the army and turn the army into the young and fittest announced the Agnipath scheme to recruit people in the Indian army and train them as Agniveers increasing the age limit to 23. This triggered violent protests across the country. The protestors damaged public properties. 

Under these circumstances, all the right-thinking people are questioning how can politically influenced protestors can become Army personnel and save the country. Everyone knows that the army requires strict discipline and does not tolerate any breaking of laws. How can those who burn public properties, and indulge in violence can become responsible soldiers? Right-thinking people are demanding tough action against the protestors and ban them from appearing for any government jobs. Everyone knows that in Army there is no reservation and only the fittest will survive. Even if the age limit is increased, if a 23 year old fail in the fitness test, he will not be recruited. The same is the case with the 17 or 18 year old. 

Protestors are questioning, what will happen to agniveers after the completion of four years and when they are not made permanent. The government announced various options and they will be given preference in various government jobs and also police forces. Protestors are blindly protesting at the behest of vested interests without getting to know the facts. They are unaware that the 1999 Kargil report recommended Agniveers. A permanent commission means a career in the armed forces till retirement. Under short service commission, the Army allows 10-year service with an option of a 4-year extension. Under Agnipath, Agniveer recruits will serve for 4 years.