UNION Minister of State and former Army Chief General V K Singh (Retd) PVSM, AVSM, YSM, ADC, on Sunday, accused Congress and other opposition parties of creating controversy and instigating youth over the Agnipath scheme. General Singh claimed that Congress was politicising the issue of short-term recruitment in defence forces as the party was aggrieved over the ongoing action being taken against Rahul Gandhi by Enforcement Directorate. Since the ‘visionless Opposition’ has nothing else to do, it is stoking a controversy over Agnipath schemeeven before its implementation, he alleged. Gen V K Singh was in city toparticipate in a programmeconducted by Janakrosh. Talking to the medipersons at IMA Hall, on Sunday, the former chief of Army Staff said, “Agnipath Scheme first camein existence after the Kargil warwhen the Kargil ReviewCommittee was formed by thegovernment. Till then it wasunder development processand yet to be implemented.” There was a demand forcompulsory military training tocitizens for a short time 30-40years ago. The Agnipath scheme is promoting the same. Those (Agniveer) who are really capable will retain in armed forces and remaining 75% will get opportunity to explore other fields and profession after 4 years, claimed the General. The minister said the Army has never been a large-scale provider of jobs. It is an allvolunteer force. People come to join army and other forces voluntarily after fulfilling certain conditions. Mentioning about Emergency Commissioning Scheme of soldiers and officers during 1961 war, the General said, “The officers and soldiers who joined the army during India-China war under emergency scheme did well. However, the government closed the scheme in 1965, but no one raised objection over that decision. After leaving the job, the soldiers joined many administrative services and corporate jobs on their merit.” After four years, the 75% Agniveers will be capable to join other profession on their merit because of the training they get in armed forces, claimed General Singh. Considering the lack of recruitment in last two years due to COVID-19, the government has increased the age of recruitment as Agniveer upto 23 years from 21 years. Those who are preparing for armed forces from last two years, now they can also apply for Agnipath scheme, claimed the minister. Talking about the violence throughout the country, General Singh said, “Chief Ministers of those states where the violence is going on should come forward and try to stop such incidents. Instead of that they are blaming the Central Government for Agnipath Scheme.” “If they (Agniveers) perform well, then 25 per cent of them will be retained in the service. Besides, the remaining will get a good financial package too. States like Haryana, Uttar Pradesh as well as the Home ministry have assured to give priority in the forces,” he said.