The Janata Dal (United) or JD(U), a key ally of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), has recently expressed its concerns over the Agnipath scheme and the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). The party has called for a review of the Agnipath scheme and a broader consensus on the UCC. Additionally, the JD(U) has voiced its support for the concept of “One Nation, One Election.” These stances were made clear during the JD(U) national executive meeting held on June 6, 2024.
Agnipath Scheme: A Need For Review
The Agnipath scheme, introduced by the central government in June 2022, aims to recruit soldiers into the Indian Army for a period of four years. The scheme has been met with widespread protests and criticism, particularly from the youth who are aspiring to join the armed forces. The JD(U) has echoed these concerns, stating that the scheme needs to be reviewed to address the issues raised by the youth and the general public.
The party has highlighted several concerns with the Agnipath scheme. Firstly, the short-term nature of the recruitment, which only provides a four-year tenure, has raised questions about the job security and future prospects of the soldiers. Secondly, the scheme has been criticized for not providing adequate pension benefits to the soldiers. The JD(U) believes that these concerns need to be addressed to ensure that the scheme is fair and beneficial to all parties involved.
Uniform Civil Code: The Need For Consensus
The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) is another contentious issue that has been debated in the country for a long time. The UCC aims to have a common set of laws governing personal matters such as marriage, divorce, and inheritance for all citizens, regardless of their religion. The JD(U) has emphasized the need for a broader consensus on the UCC, stating that it should not be imposed unilaterally.
The party believes that the UCC should be discussed and debated by all stakeholders, including political parties, religious leaders, and civil society organizations. This consensus-building approach is essential to ensure that the UCC is fair, just, and acceptable to all sections of society. The JD(U) has cautioned against any hasty or unilateral implementation of the UCC, which could lead to social unrest and divisions.
One Nation, One Election: A Step Towards Reform
The JD(U) has also expressed its support for the concept of “One Nation, One Election.” This concept proposes to hold simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. The party believes that this reform will help reduce election-related expenditure, minimize the impact of frequent elections on governance, and ensure a more stable political environment.
The JD(U) has argued that the current system of frequent elections leads to a lot of uncertainty and instability. It also results in a significant expenditure of resources, which could be better utilized for developmental activities. By holding simultaneous elections, the party believes that the country can move towards a more stable and efficient system of governance.