Agnipath Row: Rahul Gandhi Not To Celebrate Bday Amid Chaos, Raghav Chadha Writes To Defence Min | Key Points

The administration has offered many fresh concessions in order to calm demonstrators outraged by the new Agniveer military recruiting scheme, which has sparked widespread unrest across the nation.

A transport vehicle after it was set on fire by protestors during Bihar Bandh, called to protest against Centres Agnipath scheme, in Jehanabad.

Source : PTI

New Delhi: Protesters battled with security forces, burnt or vandalised trains and railway stations, and stopped railway lines and highways this week in many states over 'Agnipath,' the centre's contentious new armed forces recruiting plan.

A police station in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, was also set ablaze, as were the houses of key BJP members in Bihar, including deputy chief minister Renu Devi. One person was killed in Secuderabad, Telangana, when the railway station was vandalised, trains were set on fire, and dozens of others were injured as police shot into the air to disperse crowds.

Police in Uttar Pradesh used tear gas on demonstrators on a major route, and public buses were targeted.

Protests also broke out in Haryana, where internet connections were cut, Rajasthan, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, where another railway station was stormed and trains were set ablaze, and Bengal.

Hundreds of trains were either cancelled, redirected, or terminated before reaching their destination, according to railway officials.

Hundreds of people have been detained across many states, and a bandh has been declared in Bihar. Opposition politicians have also been harshly critical of 'Agnipath.'

The government has defended the approach, stating that recruits, or 'Agniveers,' who leave after four years will get financial assistance. In response to demonstrators' complaints, the government has raised the maximum age from 21 to 23.

The administration has offered many fresh concessions in order to calm demonstrators outraged by the new Agniveer military recruiting scheme, which has sparked widespread unrest across the nation.

Here's Top Developments On Agnipath Scheme So Far

1. In the midst of a demonstration against the Centre's 'Agnipath' plan, Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi asked party members and well-wishers not to celebrate his birthday this year.
2. AAP Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha writes to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, appeals him to "immediately" roll back Agnipath scheme and resume regular process of recruitment for defence services. 
3. Kerala Chief Minister Pinrayi Vijayan has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to halt the 'Agnipath' initiative, claiming that the recent demonstrations are a "clear indicator of the sentiments of India's youth."
4. According to a statement, Rajasthan's council of ministers unanimously endorsed a decision that the new recruiting 'Agnipath' initiative be cancelled, taking in view the broader public interest and the sentiments of the youngsters.
5. "The violent protests against Agnipath, the Centre's new military recruitment scheme, are politically motivated and registration of criminal cases against those indulging in arson and damaging public property will make it "extremely difficult" for them to get jobs in future," Maharashtra BJP president Chandrakant Patil said, PTI reported. 
6. Karnataka home minister Araga Jnanendra said on Saturday that after completing their service under the 'Agnipath' recruiting plan, the government will induct 'Agniveers' into state police.
7. The Defence Ministry would reserve 10% of posts in the coast guard and state-run defence businesses for Agniveers.
8. The Home Ministry would reserve 10% of slots in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and Assam Rifles for Agniveers.
9. Three years of age relaxation for Agniveer enlistment in CAPFs and Assam Rifles, according to the centre.
10. As per the government concessions, Agniveers from the Indian Navy can find work in the merchant navy, and the Shipping Ministry has six service paths for recruitment.
11. Previously, the age limit for the Agnipath plan was lifted from 21 to 23 as a one-time concession due to the two-year recruiting pause caused by Covid. Several state administrations have said that Agniveers will be given precedence in police recruitment.

(With Agencies Inputs)