January 20, 2025 11:47 pm (IST)
Follow us:
facebook-white sharing button
twitter-white sharing button
instagram-white sharing button
youtube-white sharing button
Donald Trump sworn in as 47th president of United States | Kolkata court sentences convict Sanjoy Roy to life imprisonment in RG Kar rape-murder case | Supreme Court stays proceedings against Rahul Gandhi in defamation case over remarks against Amit Shah and BJP | Invasion of our borders will come to a halt: Donald Trump promises crackdown on immigration ahead of inauguration | Kolkata court convicts civic volunteer Sanjoy Roy in RG Kar rape-murder case | Saif was stabbed repeatedly, he tried to protect Taimur and Jeh: Kareena Kapoor Khan records statement with police | Escaped death by 20-25 minutes: Sheikh Hasina alleges opposition wanted to kill her | Cabinet's decision on 8th Pay Commission will improve quality of life, give boost to consumption: PM Modi | 'It has been an incredibly challenging day': Kareena Kapoor Khan requests privacy after Saif Ali Khan's stabbing incident | 'Distorting history': Mamata slams Mohan Bhagwat over his Ram Temple consecration 'marking true independence' remark
Agnipath row
Congress leaders protesting Agnipath scheme/ image credit: UNI

Over 600 trains cancelled today as 'Agnipath' protesters demand rollback

| @indiablooms | Jun 21, 2022, at 06:32 am

New Delhi/IBNS: Over 600 trains were cancelled on Monday as part of the Bharat Bandh call against the 'Agnipath' military recruitment scheme. 

The protesters are demanding a rollback of the scheme while the government is standing its ground.

The Indian Army on Monday issued a notification for ‘Agniveers’ under the recently announced Agnipath recruitment schemes.

The notification was issued by the Army amid protests against it in many corners of the country.

The online registration begins in July, said the notification even as protests rocked the country.

Over 600 trains have been cancelled on Monday in view of the Bharat Bandh call in parts of the country over the centre's 'Agnipath' scheme.

The railways suffered a major loss of property due to arson and rioting by the protesters over the last five days.

Congress leaders have sat on a 'Satyagraha' at Jantar Mantar in the national capital to express solidarity with the armed forces aspirants protesting against the 'Agnipath' scheme. Some Youth Congress workers were detained after they blocked a train at the Shivaji Bridge railway station near Connaught Place.

Parts of Delhi witnessed traffic jams as the police have tightened security across the city and its bordering areas.

In a bid to assuage the protesters, the Narendra Modi government on Saturday announced a 10 per cent reservation for 'Agniveers' (future recruits) in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and Assam Rifles.

Despite the Centre's steps to address the concerns over the 'Agnipath' defence recruitment scheme, protests in several states continue with the job aspirants demanding a rollback of the scheme.

In Haryana, a group of job aspirants blocked the Lal Batti Chowk in Fatehabad, while several others staged a protest on roads in Rohtak district.

Security has been stepped up at several locations in Kerala, Telangana, West Bengal and Rajasthan also to avoid any untoward incidents.

Uttar Pradesh Police said strict action will be taken against those found involved in jeopardising peace.

In Punjab, the police have been asked to monitor the activities of social media groups which are allegedly mobilising or spreading instigating information about the scheme.

The Bihar government has increased security at party offices considered vulnerable. As of now, internet services remain shut in 20 districts. In Jharkhand, all schools will remain closed today amid protests over the 'Agnipath' scheme.

What is the Agnipath scheme?

The Centre unveiled Agnipath scheme on Tuesday what it as a "transformative" one for the recruitment of soldiers in the Army, Navy and the Air Force, largely on a four-year short-term contractual basis.

The youth selected under this scheme will be known as Agniveers.

"Agnipath allows patriotic and motivated youth to serve in the Armed Forces for a period of four years," read the statement issued by the defence ministry.

The age limit for Agnipath recruitment has now been raised to 23 from 21 as a "one-time waiver" following the protests.

The government has also put out a 10-point defence of the scheme and assured recruits they will not find themselves in the lurch after completing their four years in the military.

On completion of the engagement period of four years, Agniveers will be paid one time ‘SevaNidhi’ package which shall comprise their contribution including accrued interest thereon and matching contribution from the Government equal to the accumulated amount of their contribution including interest.
 

Support Our Journalism

We cannot do without you.. your contribution supports unbiased journalism

IBNS is not driven by any ism- not wokeism, not racism, not skewed secularism, not hyper right-wing or left liberal ideals, nor by any hardline religious beliefs or hyper nationalism. We want to serve you good old objective news, as they are. We do not judge or preach. We let people decide for themselves. We only try to present factual and well-sourced news.

Support objective journalism for a small contribution.
Close menu