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.