'Saddened by violence.' Anand Mahindra reiterates that 'discipline & skills' will make Agniveers eminently employable

Ever since the government announced its new recruitment initiative, Agnipath, for the armed forces, the nation has been gripped with protests and sporadic incidents of violence.

While the government has projected the new scheme as the much-needed overhaul in the way Army, Navy and Air Force recruited staff, youth and senior Armed forces personnel have raised concerns over its efficacy.

The government's initiative is being lauded and criticized in equal measure. Industrialist Anand Mahindra, who is known for his unique perspectives on current issues, took to Twitter to express his sadness over the violence that erupted after the scheme was announced.


The business tycoon said that ever since the initiative was suggested in 2021, he has been optimistic about it. He said that the discipline and skills that Agniveers acquire will make them highly employable. The 67-year-old went on to say that the Mahindra Group welcomes the opportunity to recruit such a trained and capable young force.

"Saddened by the violence around the #Agneepath program. When the scheme was mooted last year I stated-& I repeat-the discipline & skills Agniveers gain will make them eminently employable. The Mahindra Group welcomes the opportunity to recruit such trained, capable young people," read Mahindra's Tweet.
Mahindra's tweet gained many likes and shares and hundreds lauded his thoughts. However, many even raised concerns as to in what capacity will the Mahindra Group employ Agniveers.

The billionaire in a subsequent tweet said that there was a large potential for employing Agniveers in the corporate sector. The businessman went on to assert that with leadership, teamwork and physical training, Agniveers will provide market-ready solutions to the industry. He said that Agniveers will cover the full spectrum, from operations to administration and supply chain management.

"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," read Mahindra's tweet.
The comments on Mahindra’s tweets ranged from scathing critique to heartfelt appreciation for the entrepreneur. While one user asked if the Indian Army was being used as a training camp, another expressed hope saying that Agniveers will get immense experience to perform any job.

Some users even posed serious questions such as how the Mahindra Group plans to absorb those youth who have been retired from services, users even asked Mahindra to share the data of ex-Armed Forces personnel employed by his company over the years.

Last week, the government said that under the new scheme youth between 17-and-a-half and 21 years would be inducted for a tenure of four years; however, 25 per cent of them will be retained for regular services. Following widespread protests, the government later raised the upper age limit to 23 years.