National

Agneepath: Center’s rule changed amid protests, VIP security – 10 points

June 18, 2022
Bharat Times English News

New Delhi: As nationwide protests against the recently launched Agneepath recruitment scheme continue to turn violent, especially in Bihar, the Center on Saturday announced several concessions and relaxations for Agneepath. Government has announced 10% reservation for ‘Agnivar’ in various central government jobs after completion of service period of four years as per Agneepath scheme. Apart from this the age limit for recruitment during the first year has also been increased. As protests intensify across the country, here are 10 key points about the Agneepath controversy so far:

  • The Center on Thursday raised the upper age limit for recruiting soldiers under the Agneepath scheme to 23 years from 21 years in the first year.

  • Defense Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday announced that the government will reserve 10 per cent jobs for Agniveers in the Defense Ministry.

  • The MHA on Saturday also announced relaxation of three years from the upper age limit prescribed for Agniveers for recruitment in CAPFs and Assam Rifles.

  • The role of coaching centers in Patna has been revealed through WhatsApp messages of those arrested. The Bihar Police official said that these messages were of provocative nature.

  • Bihar Police has registered 138 FIRs against the anti-Agneepath agitators while 716 people involved in the arson have been arrested so far.

  • The All India Students’ Union had called a 24-hour Bihar bandh on Saturday demanding immediate withdrawal of the new Agneepath recruitment scheme.

  • Train services have been affected due to the cancellation of more than 200 trains by the Railways so far.

  • Section 144 has been imposed on Saturday in view of the law and order situation due to the growing resentment in Kota, Rajasthan.

  • The Union Home Ministry has provided VIP security of CRPF to at least 10 Bihar BJP MLAs and leaders in view of threats given by people opposing the Agneepath scheme.

  • Aam Aadmi Party’s Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha on Saturday wrote to Defense Minister Rajnath Singh urging him to withdraw the Agneepath recruitment scheme.