Agnipath Recruitment Scheme: Age limit of aspirants increased from 21 to 23, Rajnath Singh asks ‘agniveer’ to gear up for joining Indian forces

After several protests erupted in the country over the Agnipath recruitment scheme, the centre has decided to increase the age limit for the aspirants from 21 to 23 years. 

While talking about the latest development regarding the recruitment scheme of security personnel, Union Defence Minister stated that the step of increasing the age limit has been taken to increase the employment of youth in the defence sector.

"The Centre's new Agnipath scheme is an attempt to join the youth of India to the defence and service of the country. Agniveer will become a part of their personality. For the last 2 years, because there has not been an opportunity to join the Army, a lot of youth have been unable to, that is the truth," said Rajnath Singh. 

Earlier, the government also asserted that ‘Agniveers’, people employed through the scheme, will get a proper financial package and bank loans if they aim to commence their entrepreneurship post their service in the Indian forces.

The defence minister further stated, "Keeping the future of the youth in mind, on the directions of the Prime Minister, it has been decided that the age of the Agniveers will be increased from 21 to 23 years. This is a one-time relaxation that will allow several more to be inducted. The process of induction will start soon, I appeal to all to get prepared to join the Army."

Meanwhile, numerous protests against the scheme were witnessed in the nation. On Friday morning Protesters had torched a train in Ballia railway station in Uttar Pradesh.