Amidst all the protests against the Agneepath scheme, the Center has indicated how strict it is about its stand by announcing a slew of incentives including reserving 10% vacancies in its paramilitary and defense ministry for Agneepath retirees. It also posted an interactive chart to explain what the future holds for retired firefighters.
What benefits will Agniveers get after retirement?
- retirees will get 12 lakhs to start a new life
- Those who want to become entrepreneurs will get help in getting a business loan.
- Those who want to study further will get a certificate equivalent to 12th. The government will also arrange bridging courses for further studies.
- If they choose this kind of career then they will also get priority in CAPF, Assam Rifles and Police Recruitment
- IT, security and engineering sectors will also give priority to retired firefighters
How much salary will they get?
Apart from this, Agniveers will get salary package 30,000 in the first year. Then, they will get an increase of 10% every year. i.e. in the second year his salary will be 33,000 36,500 for the third year and 40,000 for the fourth year.
Meanwhile, around 30% of their salary will be deducted every month for the Seva Nidhi Fund. And on the end of their service, ie after 4 years, the center will add the same amount 11.77 lakh and the total amount will be paid to each Agniveer.
Agneepath protest across the country
In Bihar, where a bandh was called, a railway station and a police vehicle were torched, an ambulance was attacked and security personnel were injured in stone-pelting incidents for the fourth day in a row, while protesters marched in Punjab. The Ludhiana railway station was vandalized and blocked roads and rail tracks in West Bengal, Haryana, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Odisha and Uttar Pradesh.
The Railways canceled 369 trains on Saturday and passengers faced problems. More than 200 trains were canceled a day before the Railways had to bear the brunt of the protests.
The movement also spread to southern states including Karnataka and Kerala, with candidates performing push-ups on the streets in some places to register their protest.