CM Defends Agnipath Scheme Impact, Announces Police Recruitment Drive

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhlu defended the controversial Agnipath recruitment scheme, stating that it has disproportionately affected Himachal’s defence‑heavy districts such as Kangra, Bilaspur, Una and Hamirpur, causing economic strain. He labeled the scheme as unjust to the state, which proudly boasts four Paramvir Chakra awardees, and to the nation’s soldiers. In response, the CM emphasized the state’s pledge to bolster employment by hiring 1,300 police constables immediately and an additional 1,000 in the near future. Sukhlu also reiterated his support for regular army recruitment, noting that reduced quotas have left many Himachali youth disheartened. The government, he said, remains devoted to the welfare of ex‑servicemen and the broader security personnel community.