Mandi—The controversial Agniveer recruitment scheme, which had faced significant political backlash, recently witnessed an overwhelming turnout at a rally organized by the Indian Army from November 18 to 24 here.
Despite Congress’s earlier promise to scrap the scheme if it came to power, the rally saw participation from approximately 3,000 youths hailing from Mandi, Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti, and neighboring districts.
The Agniveer scheme, introduced by the BJP-led central government in 2022, has been at the center of a heated debate.
Critics, including the Congress party, argued that it undermines job security and long-term career prospects for aspiring soldiers- a charge that the Centre termed as politically motivated.
However, the large participation in Mandi indicates that many youths from Himachal Pradesh view it as an opportunity despite its short-term tenure and post-service uncertainties.
Local participants cited limited job opportunities in the region as a key reason for attending the rally.
“While the scheme may not guarantee a permanent position in the armed forces, it offers us a chance to serve the nation and secure a stepping stone for the future,” said one hopeful candidate from Kullu.
This rally, conducted under the aegis of the Dah Division, also underscores the dichotomy between political promises and ground realities.
As the Congress party faces pressure to clarify its stance, the turnout in Mandi reflects the resilience of Himachal’s youth amid prevailing unemployment challenges.
