Priyanshu Singh, who will turn 18 this year, has been living in Prayagraj for the past few months to prepare for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam. “I know those who have been preparing for the past four or five years,” he said. “They have cleared the written exam and the interview. With this announcement, the government has killed their dreams and hard work.”
Priyanshu moved to Prayagraj as back in Ballia, which borders Bihar, he found no space for himself in a family of eight; he lost his father a year ago. He said that for middle-class people such as him, the Army offered job security and a life of respect, in addition to the opportunity to serve the nation.
Also, he does not believe that the Agnipath scheme would draw more people to the defence forces. “Only those who are motivated enough to join the services will come forward, as they are doing now. I want nothing other than a permanent commission with the Army. What will happen to those who serve just for four years? They will again face an uncertain future. There is no industry, no job opportunities [in Ballia]. The one hope that the young had (of joining the Army) has also been cruelly snatched away.”