In his reply to the Motion of Thanks to the President’s address in the Lok Sabha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated his government’s resolve to introduce reforms in the Indian military. He highlighted efforts ranging from the planned introduction of theatre commands in the Indian military structure to making the forces increasingly reliant on indigenously developed arms, weapons and other military hardware and software. Prime Minister Modi emphasised key aspects of the Indian defence forces and the government’s endeavours to create a leaner and more efficient fighting force capable of meeting the threats posed by modern warfare.
On OROP
Speaking on One Rank, One Pension (OROP), Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “An attempt has been made to fool the country’s brave soldiers about One Rank, One Pension (OROP). Indira Gandhi abolished the OROP system in our country. For decades, Congress did not allow it to be implemented, but at the time of the elections, attempts were made to fool the army commanders by showing Rs 500 crore. On the other hand, the NDA government implemented the OROP. No matter how limited the resources are with India, despite the difficult battle against Corona, Rs 1.20 lakh crore was given for One Rank-One Pension.”
On Agniveer
Referring to the Agniveer scheme, the prime minister criticised the Congress party.
“Congress opposes every reform that strengthens the army. Now Congress has realised that the energy of the youth is the biggest strength of the army. Outright lies are being spread regarding army recruitment so that the youth of my country do not join the army. I want to know through the House that for whom does the Congress want to weaken our armed forces, for whose benefit are the Congress members spreading so many lies regarding the armed forces? We are modernising our armed forces so that they can face any challenge and give a befitting reply. We are making reforms to make our troops battle-ready,” Prime Minister Modi said.
On military reforms
The prime minister also strongly criticised the opposition Congress for questioning the reforms his government is implementing in the Indian military.
“Look at the intelligence of these children, they used to make small toy models of Rafale and fly them, they used to have fun with the armies. In the last few years, a lot of things have changed. After coming up with the designation of the CDS (Chief of Defence Staff), the integration of the forces has strengthened. Today Congress is spreading lies. They are conspiring to weaken the efforts of defence reform. In fact, the people of Congress can never see the Indian forces becoming powerful,” Prime Minister Modi said.
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PM Modi defends military reforms in Lok Sabha, criticises Congress on OROP and Agniveer schemes
