Agnipath protests highlights: 35 WhatsApp groups banned for spreading fake news, 10 held, says Centre
Agnipath scheme protests highlights, June 20, 2022: The violence has spread to various parts of the country where protesters have taken to setting trains on fire and also resorted to stone-pelting.
Agnipath protests highlights: Protests against the government's Agnipath scheme have been witnessed across the country, with armed forces aspirants demanding the roll-back of the short-term recruitment plan. The violence has spread to various parts of the country where protesters have taken to setting trains on fire and also resorted to stone-pelting. The states that have witnessed violent protests include Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Telangana, Haryana, Uttarakhand, and Karnataka. In a bid to provide supportive measures to the Agniveers after their 4-year service ends in the Armed Forces, defence minister Rajnath Singh has also approved a proposal to reserve 10 per cent of the job vacancies in the Ministry of Defence for Agniveers meeting requisite eligibility criteria. The government had also increased the upper age limit for the recruitment of Agniveers from 21 years to 23 years for the recruitment cycle of 2022. Meanwhile, to control the law and order situation, the internet has been suspended in 12 districts of Bihar. Eight trains have been cancelled while six trains have been rescheduled in the East Central Railway zone....Read More
7 trains from Bihar, WB canceled in view of protests over Agnipath scheme: Eastern railway
Due to ongoing agitation against Agnipath Scheme in East Central Railway jurisdiction 7 trains originating from various cities of Bihar and West Bengal have been cancelled while 10 other trains originating from both the states have been rescheduled on June 20: Eastern Railway
Rahul Gandhi takes swipe at BJP's Kailash Vijayvargiya
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday took a dig at ‘those who didn’t raise the tricolour for 52 years', as he reacted to BJP leader Kailash Vijayvargiya's statement that he (Vijayvargiya) would give preference to ‘Agniveers’ if he could hire people to protect the BJP's offices. Read more
Former Army chief VK Singh on Agnipath scheme
Union Minister and former Army chief VK Singh hits out at the protests against Agnipath scheme.
35 WhatsApp groups banned for spreading fake news on stir, 10 arrested: Centre
35 WhatsApp groups banned for spreading fake news on stir, 10 arrested, says home ministry
What top military officers said on Agniveers' intake, salary and more
Top military officials from the Army, Navy and Air Force held a press briefing Sunday to offer clarifications on the contentious 'Agnipath' recruitment scheme that has triggered violent protests from armed forces aspirants. Read more
Owaisi demands Agnipath scheme rollback
Asaduddin Owaisi on Sunday once again demanded the rollback of Agnipath scheme for recruitment in the armed forces. Read more
Congress takes a dig at BJP's Kailash Vijayvargiya over 'Agniveers can get security job at BJP offices' remark
Congress' Jairam Ramesh, Varun Gandhi have hit out at BJP's Kailash Vijayvargiya over 'Agniveers can get security job at BJP offices' remark.
Trains will be cancelled for few days as rakes were burnt: Eastern Railways
Violent agitation on Agnipath Scheme is unfortunate. Directions given to take care of stranded passengers. Currently, there are no stranded passenger in Eastern Railways. Trains will be cancelled for few days as rakes were burnt and traffic is disrupted :Arun Arora, GM, Eastern Railways on protests against Agnipath scheme
Army, Navy, Air Force announce broad schedule for recruitment under Agnipath scheme
The Army, Navy and the Air Force on Sunday came out with a broad schedule for recruitment of soldiers under the Agnipath scheme.
Agnipath protests: 14 detained in Ahmedabad
At least 14 people were detained in Ahmedabad on Sunday after they assembled without permission to protest against the Agnipath scheme. Read more
No roll-back of Agnipath scheme: Defence ministry
The defence ministry during an address on Sunday made it clear that the Agnipath scheme won't be rolled back. Read more
Agnipath aspirants must pledge they did not take part in violence: Defence ministry
Forces based on discipline, Agnipath aspirants must pledge they did not take part in violence, arson, says defence ministry.
The 'Agniveers' would get the same allowance in areas like Siachen and other areas: Defence ministry
The 'Agniveers' would get the same allowance in areas like Siachen and other areas which are applicable to the regular soldiers serving at present. No discrimination against them in service conditions: Lt Gen Anil Puri on Agnipath scheme.
'Agniveers' to get compensation for ₹1 crore...': Defence ministry
'Agniveers' will get a compensation for ₹1 crore if he sacrifices his life in service of the nation: Lt Gen Anil Puri.
Ministry of Defence briefs the media on Agnipath recruitment scheme
Ministry of Defence begins briefing the media on Agnipath recruitment scheme.
Recognise 'fake nationalists', entire country is with you: Priyanka Gandhi to youths protesting Agnipath scheme
“Recognise 'fake nationalists', entire country is with you. Govt not working for poor and youth but for big industrialists,” says Priyanka Gandhi Vadra during the Congress 'satyagraha'.
Centre must listen to voice of youths, says Sachin Pilot
"This has nothing to do with the Opposition. It is a genuine grievance of young people. They (government) must listen to their voice and not be stubborn in their decision-making, review and revise, but for now they must withdraw it (scheme)," says Congress leader Sachin Pilot.
Union minister Ajay Bhatt on Agnipath protests: 'It's a good scheme, appeal youth not to let go of this opportunity'
It's a good scheme. Despite clarity over misunderstandings, it is not right to stick to the demands... I appeal to the youth not to let go of this golden opportunity. There will be no problem in the future...: MoS Defence Ajay Bhatt on Agnipath scheme
Prashant Kishor on Agnipath protests: 'Bihar bearing brunt of BJP-JDU conflict'
As protests against the government's ‘Agnipath’ recruitment scheme escalated across the country, political strategist Prashant Kishor on Sunday spoke against the use of violence and sabotage that Bihar has been witnessing for the past three days as armed forces aspirants torched trains and railway stations, hurting a few police personnel too. Read more
Meeting of Rajnath with three services' chiefs concludes
The meeting between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and the three Services chiefs concludes. Details on the meeting yet to emerge.
Agnipath protest: 3 coaching centres involved, 147 arrests made, says Bihar govt
The Bihar government on Sunday pointed to the role of three coaching centres in the violence that took place during protests against the Agnipath recruitment scheme in Masaurhi near Patna, news agency ANI reported. Read more
Congress protests against Agnipath scheme
Congress's Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other party leaders lead protest against the 'Agnipath' recruitment scheme in Delhi.
23 FIRs registered, 147 arrests made so far: Patna DM on Agnipath protests
Info gathered from mobile phones of those arrested from Masaurhi yesterday reveals involvement of three coaching centers, FIR registered. 23 FIRs registered, 147 arrests made so far: Patna DM Dr.Chandrashekhar Singh on 'Agnipath' protests
Security tightened at Delhi's Jantar Mantar ahead of Congress' protest against Agnipath scheme
Police and Rapid Action Force personnel deployed at Jantar Mantar in Delhi ahead of the 'Satyagrah' protest of the Congress party against the 'Agnipath' recruitment scheme.
Defence ministry official to address a presser amid Agninath protests
Department of Military Affairs additional secretary Lt General Anil Puri to address a press conference in South Block today on the issue of Agniveer recruitment scheme, reports ANI.
Rajnath Singh meets three Services chiefs
Rajnath Singh to hold another meeting today
ANI citing sources said the tri-service chiefs are expected to attend the meeting called by Rajnath Singh, and discuss the rollout of the scheme and ways to pacify agitators. This is the second such meeting called by Rajnath Singh in two days. Read more
Rajnath Singh to meet 3 services chiefs, reports ANI
Defence minister Rajnath Singh to meet the three services chiefs today amid the ongoing row over the Agnipath scheme, ANI reports, citing government sources.
Train services hit
Due to ongoing students' agitation, eight trains cancelled, six trains have been rescheduled in the zone: East Central Railway
Supportive measures announced by govt for 'Agniveers'
As protests against the Agnipath scheme rage nationwide, the government and BJP-ruled states have stepped up efforts to placate protesters by announcing supportive measures for 'Agniveers' who are retired after four years of service. The home ministry said it would reserve 10% vacancies in Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and Assam Rifles for Agniveers. The defence ministry has announced a similar quota and other union ministries have made assurances of jobs. Several state governments - Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Arunachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Karnataka - have also come out with supportive measures for Agniveers.
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'Agnipath is directionless', says Congress chief Sonia Gandhi
Sonia Gandhi on Saturday called the new military recruitment scheme 'directionless' and said her party 'will strongly stand' by the armed forces aspirants in demanding the rollback of 'Agnipath'. Her open letter follows sharp attacks by son Rahul Gandhi and daughter Priyanka Gandhi Vadra this week, with both demanding the scheme be withdrawn and warning of consequences.
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Ludhiana station vandalised
Anti-'Agnipath protesters vandalised the railway station in Punjab's Ludhiana, news agency ANI said Sunday morning. Police said CCTV footage is available and that the process of identifying the attackers. "Police immediately took action. Around eight to ten persons have been rounded up. We have videos available and are identifying them," Joint Commissioner of Police RS Brar said.
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Air Force releases scheme details
The Indian Air Force has released the recruitment details; the process will begin June 24. A document released by the IAF lists eligibility, educational qualifications, medical standards, assessment, leave, remuneration, life insurance cover etc among many other factors. Read more
Ex-Puducherry CM slams 'Agnipath'
Former Puducherry chief minister V Narayanasamy said the new recruitment scheme would not actually support the country's defence organisations. "There was no recruitment of defence personnel for several years… Sending 75% of people out after completing training is not good... they will not able to serve the Army. Protests are taking place across the country because of the unmindful policy that has been brought by the government. I demand this be withdrawn," he said.
Himachal CM supports 'Agnipath', thanks PM Modi
Chief minister Jairam Thakur, who is expected to lead the ruling BJP in assembly elections later this year, said he welcomed the central governemnt's decisions on 'Agnipath'. "I feel the way the opposition is trying to take this issue in a different direction, is not appropriate," he said.
The chief minister called on youth to maintain peace and said the prime minister 'always thinks and does good about the youth'.
Rajasthan cabinet passes anti-Agnipath resolution
The Congress-led Rajasthan government has passed a resolution demanding withdrawal of the 'Agnipath' scheme keeping in mind 'larger public interest and sentiments of youths'. "... many military experts are of the opinion that Agnipath scheme will neither secure future of youths nor the country's. Experts say there should be regular recruitment... with better training. Soldiers must get all benefits so their and their family's future can be secured," the government said. Read more
