Interview Times Congress’s Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other party leaders lead protests 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 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.
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.
‘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, demanding the scheme be withdrawn and warning of consequences.
Ludhiana station vandalized
Anti-‘Agnipath protesters vandalized 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.
Air Force releases scheme details
The Indian Air Force has released the recruitment details; the process will begin on 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.
Ex-Puducherry CM slams ‘Agnipath’
Former Puducherry chief minister V Narayanasamy said the new recruitment scheme would not actually support the country’s defence organizations. “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 to 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 government’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 the 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.
With ANI inputs
