Page 33 - NIS English 16-31 August 2024.pdf

Kargil Vijay Diwas Nation

Agnipath aims to

'keep the forces

young and war ready'
Jammu and Kashmir is talking about
a new future today, talking about big
dreams. Jammu and Kashmir is being Agnipath scheme is one of the important
recognized for holding important reforms made in the defense sector. Concerns
meetings of Global Summits like G-20. were being raised for a long time due to the
Along with infrastructure development, average age of the Indian Army being above
the tourism sector is also growing the global average, but there was no will to
rapidly in Jammu and Kashmir. deal with this serious concern. Now efforts
are being made to overcome this through
- Narendra Modi, Prime Minister
the Agnipath scheme. Prime Minister Modi
lamented the blatant politicization of this
La tunnel project in Ladakh on 26 July, Kargil sensitive issue and said, “Agnipath aims to
Vijay Diwas, by carrying out the first blast. The keep the forces young and war-ready.” The
construction of the 4.1 km long twin-tube 'Shinkun truth is that the Agnipath scheme will increase
La Tunnel' at an altitude of about 15,800 feet on the strength of the country and will also
the Nimmu-Padam-Darcha road will keep Leh as provide qualified youth to the army. Priority
well as Jammu and Kashmir connected to the has also been announced for Agniveers in
country throughout the year, in all seasons. This
tunnel will open the doors to new possibilities for the private sector and paramilitary forces.
the development of Ladakh and a better future. Rejecting the propaganda that the main
After completion of the work, this tunnel will be reason behind the Agnipath scheme is the
the highest in the world. The Shinkun La tunnel intention to save the pension burden, PM Modi
will not only ensure fast and efficient movement of said that the pension burden of the soldiers
the country's armed forces and equipment but will recruited today will come after 30 years, so
also promote economic and social development this cannot be the reason behind this scheme.

in Ladakh. Mentioning the ambitious goals for the
In the last 10 years, the defence sector
border areas, PM Modi said that the Border Roads
has been made the first priority of the Organisation (BRO) has completed more than 330
government. Due to these reforms, today projects, including the Sela Tunnel, demonstrating
the country's forces are becoming more the capabilities and direction of New India.
capable and self-reliant. India will overcome all challenges coming in

New India Samachar August 16-31, 2024 31