Even as country-wide protests continued against the newly inaugurated Agnipath scheme, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday indicated that it would not be rolled back, stating certain decisions appear unfair at first but they help build the nation in the long run.
“Several decisions look unfair in the beginning but will help build the nation,” Modi said, without mentioning the Agnipath scheme. He was speaking at an event in Bengaluru.
This was also in sync with the Army having initiated the scheme and issued a notification for recruitment under it. The Army stated that online registration is mandatory for all those willing to apply for jobs under Agnipath. The recruitment process would start in July, the Army stated.
Meanwhile, more than 500 trains were cancelled on Monday in the wake of the Bharat Bandh call in protest against the new recruitment scheme, given that the Indian Railways has suffered huge damage to property following rioting and arson by the protesting youth for the last five days.
Congress leaders are on a satyagraha at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi to express their support to the aspirants for Army jobs who have been protesting against the Agnipath scheme. Some Youth Congress workers were detained after they blocked a train at the Shivaji Bridge railway station near Connaught Place. Parts of Delhi and the National Capital Region witnessed traffic jams after the police tightened security across the city and its bordering areas.
