Agnipath scheme protests live updates: 'This reform was long pending', says Defence Ministry

Anti-Agnipath protests in India: The Defence Ministry said that the announcements regarding the reservations for 'Agniveers' announced by the different ministries and departments were pre-planned and not in reaction to the arson that happened after the announcement of the scheme.

Lt Gen Anil Puri, Addt'l Secy, Department of Military Affairs (Pic credit: ANI)

New Delhi: Amid the ongoing nationwide protests against the recently launched Agnipath Recruitment Scheme, the Defence Ministry on Sunday (June 19) said that this reform was "long-pending". In a media briefing, Lt Gen Anil Puri, Addt'l Secy, Department of Military Affairs, said that they want to bring "youthfulness" and experience with this reform.

"Today, a large number of jawan are in their 30s and officers are getting command much later than in the past," he added. 

"The announcements regarding the reservations for 'Agniveers' announced by the different ministries and departments were pre-planned and not in reaction to the arson that happened after the Agnipath scheme announcement," Puri stated. 

19 June 2022

14:48 IST

This reform was long pending. We want to bring youthfulness and experience with this reform. Today, a large number of jawan are in their 30s& officers are getting command much later than in the past: Additional Secy Lt Gen Anil Puri, Dept of Military Affairs on #Agnipath scheme. (ANI)

This reform was long pending. We want to bring youthfulness and experience with this reform. Today, a large number of jawan are in their 30s& officers are getting command much later than in the past: Additional Secy Lt Gen Anil Puri, Dept of Military Affairs on #Agnipath scheme pic.twitter.com/b97hBCg0K2

— ANI (@ANI) June 19, 2022

11:15 IST

Rajya Sabha MP and Aam Aadmi Party spokesperson Raghav Chadha on Saturday wrote a letter to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in regards to the Agnipath scheme. In the letter, he wrote that the recruitment scheme had "justifiably caused great anguish among potential recruits from across the country" as reported by ANI.

10:52 IST

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. 

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 pic.twitter.com/9TkfV7zTW3

— ANI (@ANI) June 19, 2022

10:48 IST

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh meets the three Services chiefs today amid 'Agnipath' protests. (ANI)

Delhi | Defence Minister Rajnath Singh meets the three Services chiefs today amid 'Agnipath' protests pic.twitter.com/T14TRP7AAp

— ANI (@ANI) June 19, 2022

10:25 IST

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to meet the three Services chiefs today at 1015 hours amid the ongoing row over the Agnipath scheme. (ANI)

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to meet the three Services chiefs today at 1015 hours amid the ongoing row over the Agnipath scheme: Government sources

(file photo) pic.twitter.com/qIVuLbD0aM

— ANI (@ANI) June 19, 2022

09:23 IST

The Indian Air Force releases details on 'Agnipath' recruitment scheme. (ANI)

The Indian Air Force releases details on 'Agnipath' recruitment scheme

1/2 pic.twitter.com/YKFtJZ2OzP

— ANI (@ANI) June 19, 2022

09:05 IST

On Saturday, certain group of people protesting against Centre's Agnipath recruitment scheme vandalised Punjab's Ludhiana railway station as per an ANI report. The police said that they are working on identifying the miscreants who vandalised the station. "Police immediately took action. Around 8-10 persons have been rounded up. Some people have called them and misused them. We have videos available and are identifying them," said RS Brar, Joint Commissioner of Police (CP) of Ludhiana.

08:01 IST

"Because of PM Modi's wrong decision, they (youth) have come out on the roads. A way was found to ruin the youth of the country. How many bulldozers will you use to destroy their house now? We don't want you to destroy anyone's house", said AIMIM chief on Agnipath protest. (ANI)

#WATCH | Because of PM Modi's wrong decision, they (youth) have come out on the roads. A way was found to ruin the youth of the country. How many bulldozers will you use to destroy their house now? We don't want you to destroy anyone's house...: AIMIM chief on #Agnipath protest pic.twitter.com/nVL0GEL3ux

— ANI (@ANI) June 18, 2022

06:41 IST

"The #Agnipath scheme brought by Modi govt for recruiting the Army personnel is not giving any support to our Defence organistaion. There was no recruitment of the defence personnel for several years...," said Former Puducherry CM V Narayanasamy.

Puducherry | The #Agnipath scheme brought by Modi govt for recruiting the Army personnel is not giving any support to our Defence organistaion. There was no recruitment of the defence personnel for several years...: Former Puducherry CM V Narayanasamy (18.06) pic.twitter.com/reU3yQgxBF

— ANI (@ANI) June 19, 2022

06:39 IST

"I welcome the decision of PM Modi regarding the #Agnipath scheme. I feel the way the opposition is trying to take this issue in a different direction, is not appropriate. It will be an opportunity for the youth across the nation", said HP CM Jairam Thakur. (ANI)

Dharamshala | I welcome the decision of PM Modi regarding the #Agnipath scheme. I feel the way the opposition is trying to take this issue in a different direction, is not appropriate. It will be an opportunity for the youth across the nation: HP CM Jairam Thakur (18.06) pic.twitter.com/NW9jIzuitq

— ANI (@ANI) June 19, 2022

06:35 IST

Rajasthan Cabinet passes resolution demanding withdrawal of Centre's Agnipath scheme as protests rage on. (ANI)

Rajasthan Cabinet passes resolution demanding withdrawal of Centre's Agnipath scheme as protests rage on

Read @ANI Story | https://t.co/yuF1AsjBP4#AgnipathScheme #Rajasthan #AgnipathProtests pic.twitter.com/zCUreC8Rh9

— ANI Digital (@ani_digital) June 18, 2022