NEW DELHI: The central government is moving ahead with the implementation of Agnipath scheme in the country. There are widespread protests in the northern parts of the country against the project. The armed force aspirants, who oppose the four-year recruitment scheme, are demanding a permanent job. They are not comforted by the current Agnipath scheme that offers service only for 25 per cent of those, who are deemed fit among the Agniveers. Following which, the central government had increased the age limit from 21 to 23.

Meanwhile, several union ministers have thanked the prime minister for the decision and urged the country’s youth to acquire jobs via the scheme. Taking to Twitter, leaders such as Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman expressed their gratitude to the prime minister.

“A large number of youth will benefit from this decision. Through the Agnipath scheme, they will move forward in the direction of service to the country and their bright future," Amit Shah tweeted. "This decision will help our youth who had lost out on opportunities to serve the nation due to the pandemic. Grateful for this timely and caring decision by Prime Minister Modi," Nirmala Sitharaman tweeted. “Agnipath is a golden opportunity for the youth of India to join the defence forces and serve the country. I appeal to the youth that the process of recruitment in the army is going to start in a few days. They should start their preparation for it," tweeted Rajnath Singh.

However, Congress leaders have sharply criticised the scheme. “The youth have rejected Agnipath scheme. The prime minister does not understand what the people of the country want, as he cannot hear anything except the voice of his friends,” Rahul Gandhi said.