Agnipath, the
Indian government’s new soldier recruitment policy, has caused a stir across
the country. Violent protests have broken out in many parts owing to the new
policy. Amid all of this, Anand Mahindra, chairperson of Mahindra and Mahindra,
wrote on Twitter that his company will be interested to hire ‘Agniveers’.

Writing on
Twitter, Mahindra said, “Saddened by the violence around #Agneepath program.
When the scheme was mooted last year I stated & I repeat – the discipline
and skills Agniveers gain will make them eminently enjoyable. The Mahindra
Group welcomes the opportunity to recruit such trained, capable and young people.”

Upon being asked
by a Twitter user about the posts ‘Agniveers’ will be recruited in, Mahindra wrote
back saying: “Large potential for employment of Agniveers in the corporate
sector. With leadership, teamwork & physical training, agniveers provide
market-ready professional solutions to industry covering the full spectrum from
operations to administration & supply chain management.”

The Indian
government’s new soldier recruitment scheme Agnipath seeks to overhaul the
country’s military hiring processes. Agnipath recruits, called ‘Agniveers’ will
serve a term of four years. After the fourth year, 75% of new recruits will be released
from service with a lumpsum pay while the remaining 25% will go on to serve minimum
15-year terms.

The announcement
of the scheme caused a wave of protests across the country as aspirants asked
where ‘Agniveers’ will go after they finish their four-year tours of duty.
While Mahindra was the one corporate to have shown support, the Indian
government has decided to reserve 10% of CAPF (Central Armed Police Force) for ‘Agniveers’.

On Monday,
protestors have called for a Bharat Bandh. At least 10 states are on high alert.
Section 144 was imposed in Noida. An armed forces senior official has warned
aspirants against partaking in vandalism.

“The Indian Army’s
foundation lies in discipline. There’s no space for arson or vandalism. Police verification
is mandatory, no one can join without it, said Lieutenant General Anil Puri.