Massive protests erupt across India against the newly launched Agnipath Army recruitment scheme

National Desk: Violent protests erupted across India on Friday in opposition to the controversial Agnipath Recruitment Scheme of the Indian defence forces.

Protesters who have opposed the newly announced scheme were seen vandalizing public properties like railway booths and buses in several cities in the country including Secunderabad, Varanasi and others.

Viral videos in the social media also show a mob of enraged youngsters who are aspirants of the Indian Army attacking the police personals, participating in on-road protest rallies, and destroying public properties to demonstrate their dissatisfaction over this new scheme.

Many opposition leaders have also vented their criticism over the issue. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in a Tweet stated that the government must stop compromising the dignity of the defence forces through such schemes.

“When India faces threats on two fronts, the uncalled for Agnipath scheme reduces the operational effectiveness of our armed forces. The BJP government must stop compromising the dignity, traditions, valour & discipline of our forces.” he said.

Earlier, the Defence Minister of India Rajnath Singh however stated that this scheme will generate transformative reforms in the armed force by bringing more technologically skilled youths in it.

Similarly, several leaders and general public have also condemned the violent steps taken by the protesters which they believe can be resolved peacefully through dialogue.

Agniveer is a new scheme launched by the Government of India that offers youngsters in between the age group of 17.5 to 21 years – both boys and girls – a lifetime opportunity to serve the nation as army personals for four years. They will be selected through interviews, skill, and physical fitness tests.

Following the completion of four years 25 per cent of candidates would be given permanent posts in the army based on merit. While the rest 75 per cent would get skill certificates and preferences in other state and central level government jobs.

According to reports, the Army will be recruiting around 46,000 youngsters through this scheme. The first batch of Agniveers is likely to be enrolled on September-October 2022.

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