RAJ KUMAR
Ranchi, June 16: Protests erupted near the Army Recruitment Office on Main Road against the Agnipath Recruitment Scheme today, a day after the Centre announced the short-term recruitment plan to enlist young citizens into the armed forces.
It was getting 12 noon when the protestors assembled there for the demonstration. Though a prohibitory order under Sec 144 of the CrPC was already enforced there due to June 10 violence, protestors assembled shouting slogans against the union government.
After the district administration came to know about the demonstration, forces were sent there. After the arrival of forces, demonstrators went towards Ranchi Railway station to stage a demonstration.
Agnipath Recruitment Scheme is a pan-Indian merit-based recruitment scheme that enrols soldiers, airmen and sailors. The scheme provides an opportunity for the youth to serve in the regular cadre of the armed forces. All those selected will be called Agniveers.
The cadets will be recruited for 4 years of service duration including the training period. After the 4 years, 25% of the Agniveers will be retained for the full term of 15 years. The first 4 years will not be considered to give pensionary benefits. 75% of the soldiers who will retire in 4 years will be demobilized and exit with the Seva Nidhi package of INR 11-12 lakhs. It would be partly funded by the monthly contributions The skill certificates and bank loans would help them in their second careers.
A protestor, who had qualified for a medical and physical test and was waiting for a written examination, said after all tests such an announcement had adversely affected his career plan.
“If selected under the scheme, I will not be fully motivated as I will not find my future secured. In case I retire after four years, it will be difficult for me to start my second career,” the protestor said.
