Agneepath protest LIVE: Centre’s concessions fail to douse the fire; Top officials behind plan to hold press meet

Image Source: PTI

A protest was called at the Kendra Agneepath scheme in Bihar’s Mussoorie, after protesters torched vehicles during the Bihar bandh.

Agneepath plan protest live updates: Additional Secretary, Department of Military Affairs, Lt Gen Anil Puri will address a press conference at 2:10 pm today on the issue of Agneepath Recruitment Scheme amid the ongoing agitation and widespread protests against the scheme in several states. Earlier today, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh held a meeting with the chiefs of the three services at his residence and discussed the rollout of the plan and ways to pacify the agitators. This is the second such meeting called by Rajnath Singh in two days. This morning, the Indian Air Force (IAF) also released the details of the Agneepath Recruitment Scheme. The development comes a day after Defense Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday approved a proposal to reserve 10 per cent of job vacancies in the Defense Ministry for Agniveers who meet the required eligibility criteria. Earlier, the Ministry of Home Affairs had decided to reserve 10 per cent vacancies for recruitment for Agniveers in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and Assam Rifles. The Center had on June 14 unveiled the Agneepath scheme for recruitment of candidates in the age group of 17.5 to 21 years for a period of four years in the three armed forces. However, the announcement triggered violent protests in various parts of the country, even as the debate over the pros and cons of the initiative aimed to replace the armed forces intensified.

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