Agnipath Scheme Applicants Need to Prove They Did Not Engage in Protests: Centre
The government had last week increased the upper-age limit for recruitment under the Agnipath scheme for 2022.
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Lt Gen Anil Puri, additional secretary of the Department of Military Affairs said during a press briefing on Sunday, 19 June, that applicants for the Centre's Agnipath scheme will have to give a written pledge that they were not part of protest or vandalism.
He asserted that there is no place for indiscipline in the Armed Forces.
He also said that the "reservations for 'Agniveers' announced by the different ministries and departments was "pre-planned and not in reaction to the arson that happened after the Agnipath scheme announcement".
Meanwhile, as protests against the Indian government's new Agnipath scheme entered their fifth day, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met the three Services chiefs (of the army, the navy, and the air force) on Sunday, 19 June, amid nationwide protests against the Agnipath scheme, ANI reported, quoting sources.
369 trains were cancelled across the country on Saturday due to protests
The Indian Air Force has released details of the Centre's Agnipath recruitment scheme, laying down eligibility criteria, selection process, and the benefits
620 people have been arrested in Bihar over the protests
Eight trains were cancelled and six were rescheduled, East Central Railway said on Sunday about its zone
10 BJP MLAs in Bihar including two deputy CMs Tarkishore Prasad and Renu Devi have been given ‘Y’ category security
Congress Party leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Sunday, during a 'Satyagraha' at Jantar Mantar, said that the scheme will "kill the youth of the country, will finish Army"
Rajasthan Congress Protests Against Agnipath, Demands Withdrawal
The Congress on Sunday held a protest in Jaipur against the Centre's 'Agnipath' scheme and demanded its withdrawal in the "interest" of the youth and the country.
Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot alleged the government introduced the scheme in a hurry which created resentment among the youth and the general public.
"The Prime Minister should understand the sentiments of the youth and withdraw the scheme within time. The decision was taken without any debate and in a hurry. It is being opposed across the country," Gehlot told reporters at the Amar Jawan Jyoti where the party leaders gathered for the protest.
Opposition Doing Politics on National Security Issues To Destabilise Govt: BJP’s Sambit Patra
Amid burgeoning protests against the Agnipath military recruitment scheme, the BJP on Sunday accused the opposition parties of doing politics on issues of national security and armed forces just to destabilise the government.
Terming the Congress' 'Satyagraha' in support of Agnipath protests "pure politics", he claimed it was "forcing" officials of the three services of the military to appeal to people not to get involved in arson.
Would Give Priority to Agniveers for Security at BJP Office: Says Vijayvargiya, Kejriwal Hits Back
mid protests over the Agnipath scheme for recruitment into the armed forces, BJP general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya on Sunday said if he has to hire the services of professionals to arrange security at the party office, he would give priority to those who have served as Agniveer soldiers.
He also attacked the Congress over its opposition to the Agnipath scheme, saying it was only concerned about power and not about the country.
The senior BJP leader also claimed that the implementation of the Agnipath scheme is not a political decision.
In response, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal criticised the BJP leader for assuming young people who train to join the armed forces want the job of a security guard.
"Do not disrespect the youth and army personnel of the country so much. The youth of our country work hard day and night to pass the physical exam, pass the test because they want to serve the country for their whole life by joining the army, not because they want to be a guard outside the BJP office," Kejriwal tweeted.
Train Services in Tamil Nadu Continue to be Hit by Protests
Southern Railway on Sunday said it has cancelled some more trains due to the agitation against the Centre's Agnipath.
Protests have been on across country since Friday against the scheme under which young people would be provided an opportunity to serve in the armed forces as 'Agniveer' for a period of four years, including the period of training.
In an official announcement today, Southern Railway said the KSR Bengaluru-Sanghamitra Daily Express in both directions has been cancelled while KSR Bengaluru-Patna Weekly Humsafar Super Fast Express stands cancelled immediately.
Similarly, Gaya-MGR Chennai Central Weekly Express, scheduled to leave Chennai today, was cancelled while KSR Bengaluru-New Tinsukia Weekly Superfast Express operated on Mondays has been cancelled.
Southern Railway said it partially cancelled New Tinsukia-KSR Bengaluru Weekly Express between Harisinga and KSR Bengaluru.
'Only Progressive Step To Make the Country Young': Lt Gen Puri
Lt Gen Anil Puri, additional secretary of the Department of Military Affairs said during a press briefing on Sunday, 19 June, that the central government's 'Agnipath' scheme will not be rolled back.
"And why should it be rolled back? It is the only progressive step to make the country young," he added.
'Aspirants Need to Prove They Were Not Part of Protests': Lt Gen Puri
Lt Gen Puri asserted during the press briefing that the Armed Forces' foundation is in its discipline.
"No space for arson, vandalism. Every individual will give a written pledge that they were not part of protest or vandalism. Police verification is mandatory, no one can join without that," he warned.
"And if any FIR lodged against them, they can't join...They (aspirants) will be asked to write as part of the enrolment form that they were not part of the arson, their police verification will be done," Lt Gen Puri said while admitting that he "had not anticipated the recent violence over this scheme".
"There is no place for indiscipline in the Armed Forces. All candidates will have to give a written pledge that they did not indulge in any violence," he concluded.
Second Batch of 'Agniveers' to be Inducted in Feb 2023: Lt Gen Bansi Ponappa
Addressing the press briefing, Lt Gen Bansi Ponappa said that the first batch of 25,000 'Agniveers' will be inducted by the first week of December this year.
"The second batch would be inducted around February 2023 making it 40,000," he added.
First Naval 'Agniveers' To Reach Training Establishment by 21 Nov: Vice Admiral Dinesh Tripathi
The first naval 'Agniveers' will start arriving at the training establishment, INS Chilka, Odisha, from 21 November, Vice Admiral Dinesh Tripathi told reporters at the briefing.
Both female and male 'Agniveers' are going to be permitted for this, he added.
'Registration of First Batch From 24 June': Air Marshal SK Jha
The registration process for the first batch of 'Agniveers' is scheduled to start from 24 June and the first phase of the online examination process would start from 24 July, Air Marshal SK Jha said at the press briefing.
The first batch would be enrolled by December and training would commence by 30 December, he added.
'Reservations Not in Reaction to Arson': Lt Gen Anil Puri
Addressing the protests that have taken place across the country, Lt Gen Puri said that the "reservations for 'Agniveers' announced by the different ministries and departments was pre-planned and not in reaction to the arson that happened after Agnipath scheme announcement."
'Intake of Agniveers To Go Up in 4–5 Years': Lt Gen Anil Puri
Lt Gen Anil Puri further said that in next 4-5 years, the intake of 'Agniveer' soldiers will increase from 50,000-60,000 to 90,000 and then 1 lakh subsequently.
"We've started small at 46,000 to analyse the scheme...and to build up infrastructure capacity," he clarified.
"Our recruitment of 'Agniveers' will go up to 1.25 lakhs in near future and will not remain at 46,000 which is the present figure," he added.
'Same Allowance for Agniveers and Presently Serving Soldiers': Lt Gen Anil Puri
At the press briefing, Lt Gen Anil Puri said that the 'Agniveers' would get "the same allowance in areas like Siachen and other areas which are applicable to the regular soldiers serving at present."
There would be no discrimination against the 'Agniveers' in service conditions.
He went on to announce that the 'Agniveers' "will get a compensation for Rs 1 crore if he sacrifices his life in service of the nation."
'Hosh and Josh': Defence Ministry Holds Briefing on Agnipath Scheme
Lt Gen Anil Puri, Addt'l Secy of the Department of Military Affairs on Sunday, 19 June, said that "reform was long pending" in the military, and that "a combination of josh and hosh in equal proportion" was important for that to happen.
"We want to bring youthfulness and experience with this reform. Today, a large number of jawan are in their 30s and officers are getting command much later than in the past," he added, speaking at a press briefing.
He went on to say that "around 17,600 people are taking premature retirement from the three Services every year. No one ever tried to ask them what they will do after retirement."
'Scheme Will Kill Youth of the Country': Priyanka Gandhi
Priyanka Gandhi issued a sharp criticism of the 'Agnipath' scheme, stating that it will kill the youth of the country, will finish Army."
"Please see the intent of this government and topple it. Bring a government that is true to the nation, protects country's assets. I urge you to do peaceful protest but don't stop."
Rajnath Singh Meets Chiefs of Army, Navy, and Air Force
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday met the chiefs of the Army, the Navy, and the Air Force, amid nationwide protests against the 'Agnipath' recruitment scheme.
It was his second meeting with the three service chiefs for the second consecutive day regarding the 'Agnipath'.
No official comment on the meeting has been issued.
Muraleedharan Says Youth Unaware of Scheme's Benefits
V Muraleedharan, the Union minister of state for External Affairs & Parliamentary Affairs and Youth, said on Sunday that the youth protesting against the central government's 'Agnipath' scheme is unaware of its benefits, PTI reported.
'Frying Pakoras': Rahul Gandhi Lashes Out at PM Modi
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of repeatedly giving false hopes of jobs, due to which he has forced the youth to walk on the 'Agnipath' of unemployment.
He tweeted in Hindi that the prime minister had to give 16 crore jobs in eight years, but the youth only got knowledge about "frying pakoras".
'Govt Must Not Be Stubborn': Sachin Pilot
Congress leader Sachin Pilot said during the party's 'Satyagraha' that the central government must not be stubborn and should take back 'Agnipath' to avoid a repeat of what happened with the farm laws, PTI reported.
"These (protesting) youngsters are all from rural background. They see their families in long-term financial stress and debt, and then you have inflation, joblessness, it leads to insecurities and on top of that good opportunity of serving in the armed forces, that also you take away, so it is a culmination of all those issues that have resulted in the severe backlash we are seeing," Pilot said.
"My worry is the following – young people will lose out the opportunity to serve this country as patriots and soldiers. The issue has become more grave because there is acute joblessness, unemployment is at a record high," he added.
Tejashwi Yadav Questions Agnipath Scheme
The leader of the Opposition of Bihar, Tejashwi Yadav, on Sunday said that the youth had many doubts about the Agnipath scheme and demanded that it be withdrawn.
"Protests are taking place in many parts of the country and there is anger among those who want to become soldiers," the RJD leader was quoted as saying by ANI.
He went on to ask if this was an initiative similar to MGNREGA for the educated youth or did it consist of a "hidden agenda" for the RSS?
Congress Leaders Begin 'Satyagraha' at Jantar Mantar
Leaders of the Congress Party sat at a 'Satyagraha' against the Agnipath recruitment scheme at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, on Sunday.
Some of the leaders that have appeared for the protest are Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Sachin Pilot.
Police, RAF Deployed Ahead of Congress Protest
Police and Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel have been deployed at Jantar Mantar ahead of the 'Satyagrah' protest by the Congress party against the Agnipath recruitment scheme, ANI reported.
Owaisi Takes Dig at BJP
Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi lashed out at the BJP on Sunday, asking how many anti-Agnipath protesters' homes will be bulldozed.
"They (youngsters) are on the streets due to (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi's wrong decision. How many (protesters') homes will be razed by bulldozers? We don't want you to demolish anyone's home," he was quoted as saying by NDTV.
Rajnath Singh to Meet the 3 Service Chiefs Today
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, is meeting the three Services chiefs (of the army, the navy, and the air force) today at 10.15 am amid nationwide protests against the Agnipath scheme, ANI reported, quoting sources.
Air Force Releases Details of Recruitment Plan
The Indian Air Force has released details of the Centre's Agnipath recruitment scheme in a document that lays down eligibility criteria, selection process, and the benefits.
"The selection process will continue to be maintained as per existing norms of the service and hence would ensure that quality of youth being enrolled is maintained and they are from all over the country," a part of the document read.
It went on to say that the "post the period of four years, each Agniveer will go back to the society, based on organisational requirements and policies promulgated by the IAF."
"Agniveers will not have the right to be selected for further enrolment into the Armed Forces. Selection will be the exclusive jurisdiction of the government," the document added.
'The Youth are Anguished': Rahul Gandhi Refuses Birthday Celebrations
In a note tweeted by All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary (communications) Jairam Ramesh, Rahul Gandhi wrote, "The youth are anguished. We should stand with them and their families at this time."
"I appeal to all Congress workers and my well wishers across the country not to hold any kind of celebrations on the occasion of my birthday," the note added.
MHA Announces 10% Reservation
The MHA, on Saturday, 18 June, announced 10 percent reservation for Agniveers in the recruitment for the Central Armed Police Forces and Assam Rifles vacancies.
Bihar Deputy CMs Given 'Y' Category Security Cover
Ten BJP MLAs in Bihar including two deputy CMs Tarkishore Prasad and Renu Devi have been given ‘Y’ category security cover following attacks over the ‘Agnipath’ recruitment scheme.
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