Chance at better life: Centre on 'Agnipath' amid violent protests

New Delhi, June 16

As protests against the new recruitment plan “Agnipath” spread across multiple states today, turning violent at many places, the government asserted that the new model would not only bring in new capabilities to the armed forces but will also open up avenues for youth.

While the Opposition demanded withdrawal of the new “no rank, no pension” plan, the government countered “falsehoods” saying the scheme offered multiple benefits, including potential for a settled life by early twenties. “How many youth can save Rs 12 lakh between 21 and 24 years of age?” the Ministry of Information asked, as it unveiled a social media campaign to explain the scheme’s benefits.

The Congress, Left, Samajwadi Party, BSP and Aam Aadmi Party questioned the plan, with Rahul Gandhi saying the government should not take “agnipareeksha of youth by making them walk on Agnipath”. Anger against the plan, meanwhile, spilled across the states with defence services aspirants blocking rail and road traffic in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana and Rajasthan. There were reports of coaches set on fire in Bihar and glass windows of an intercity express being broken. At Arah in Bihar, cops used teargas to disperse agitators. Youth blocked rail tracks at many places with East Central Railway saying 22 trains had to be cancelled and some halted midway.

Opposition parties, sensing a repeat of anguish witnessed over farm laws, asked what would happen to the future of 75% recruits who would need to go back to normal lives after a four-year contractual job in the forces. “No rank, no pension, no direct recruitment for 2 years, no stable future after four years, no respect shown by the government to the Army. Heed the voice of the unemployed youth, don’t take agnipareeksha of their patience by making them walk on Agnipath’, Mr Prime Minister,” Rahul Gandhi tweeted.

CPM politburo said professional forces could not be raised by recruiting soldiers on contract. “This scheme, to save pension money, will severely compromise the quality and efficiency of our professional armed forces,” CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury said.

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal said the new scheme was being opposed everywhere. “The youth are very angry. Their demands are right. The Army is the pride of our country, our youth want to give their whole life to the country, don’t restrict their dreams to 4 years,” Kejriwal said with SP’s Akhilesh Yadav and BSP’s Mayawati also questioning the plan.

Allaying fears, the government, in a series tweets, said the scheme was a chance for the youth to enter the Army, serve the nation, acquire skills, gain competitive edge in the corporate sector and get employment on priority in Central and state government jobs, paramilitary forces and Assam Rifles. The government said the plan only sought to expand job opportunities. The recruitment would be nearly three times the current levels, widening the recruitment base. The government rejected insinuations that Agniveers on returning to civil life could pose a danger. The plan had been tested in many nations, it added.

Faced with protests, the government in a late-night decision announced a one-time waiver for the recruitment cycle for 2022. Accordingly, the upper age limit for the recruits for 2022 is increased to 23 years from 21.

Palwal erupts, Net off

• Protesters blocked roads in Gurugram, Rewari, Hodal, Rohtak and Charkhi Dadri
• In Palwal, the DC’s office was attacked, five police vehicles burnt and 20 cops hurt
• The police resorted to a mild cane-charge, fired in the air and lobbed tear gas shells
• Subsequently, Section 144 was imposed in the district and Internet services snapped

Anger spills on streets in Bihar, UP, Rajasthan too