Now, Rajnath approves 10% reservation for Agniveers in Defence Ministry
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday accepted the proposal to reserve 10% of employment vacancies in the Defence Ministry for "Agniveers." The ministry stated in a series of tweets that the reservation will be introduced in the Indian Coast Guard, defense civilian postings, and all 16 defense PSUs. Notably, this reservation would be in addition to the existing ex-servicemen reservation.
Reservation followed country-wide stir against Agnipath scheme
The crucial announcement came after Singh met with service chiefs amid widespread protests against the Agnipath military recruitment scheme. The government plans to hire 46,000 young people on a short-term contractual basis under this scheme this year. Earlier in the day, the Home Affairs Ministry announced a 10% reservation of vacancies in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and Assam Rifles for Agniveers.
Take a look at tweets by Defence Ministry
The 10% reservation will be implemented in the Indian Coast Guard and defence civilian posts, and all the 16 Defence Public Sector Undertakings. This reservation would be in addition to existing reservation for ex-servicemen.
— रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) June 18, 2022
What amendments were made to scheme after launch?
Some crucial amendments and additions made to the Agnipath scheme since its inception include the extension of the upper age limit, skill recognition from UGC, priority in giving bank loans, 10% quota in CAPFs and Assam Rifles, and announcement of open schooling certificate.
Violent protests across the country
Following the scheme's official launch, violent protests were witnessed across the country against it. One person was killed in Telangana and trains and vehicles were torched even as assurances by the defense minister, home minister, and the Army chief failed to pacify protesters. Several student associations in Bihar, led by the All India Students' Association (AISA), had called for a bandh in the state.
