Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi, June 16: Despite protests against the Centre-announced recruiting initiative Agnipath, officials declared on Thursday that the scheme’s survival is not in jeopardy, contrary to what demonstrators believe. Government sources came out with a fact sheet on the programme to bust myths surrounding the announcement.
“Agniveers will have a variety of options available to them, including becoming entrepreneurs, continuing their education, and finding work. Many retired military officers backed the idea after extensive conversations with serving armed services officials over the last two years,” said defence ministry officials.
“Those who want to start their own businesses will be given a financial package and a bank loan scheme; those who want to continue their education will be given a certificate equivalent to a Class 12 certificate; and those who want to work will be given priority in CAPFs and state police forces,” said an official.
Notably, protests over the Agnipath scheme for short-term enlistment of soldiers into the armed services erupted in Bihar on Thursday, with a passenger train being set ablaze in Chhapra, Saran district. As protestors resorted to picketing and road blockades across the state, stone-throwing was reported from Ara train station.
In addition, protests were recorded in the districts of Bhagalpur, Arwal, Buxar, Gaya, Munger, Nawada, Saharsa, Siwan, and Aurangabad. The two districts of Bhojpur and Saran produce the majority of army recruits in Bihar.
