The newly introduced Agnipath “Tour-Of-Duty” Scheme by the Government on June 14, has led to significant protests in various parts of the country, mainly in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Delhi, and Haryana. However, while protesters in many states are being charged with legal cases, the Gujarat government is taking a different route. The Home department has decided that, rather than filing an FIR against the potential “Agniveers,” they will counsel and let them “cool off.”
The state registered three cases Sunday, where the youth protested against the Agnipath scheme in Mehsana, Jamnagar, and Ahmedabad city. However, no case was filed against any protester.
Source from the state Home department said they had instructed the cops orally not to file any complaint. “If any youth is caught during the protests, they would be counselled by veterans of the Armed forces and senior police officers about the benefits of the scheme,” stated an officer of the Gujarat police.
According to an officer in Mehsana, around 50 youths were detained in Mehsana during the protests on Sunday. They were told about the risk to their future by participating in such demonstrations. “Instead of coercive action, the youth are being left with an option. To choose wisely or to undertake rash actions,” briefed an officer.
On June 14, the Union government announced the Agnipath Scheme to recruit new young soldiers for four years. The Agniveers will get ₹30,000 to ₹40,000 as monthly salary. The 75% who are demobilized will benefit from the Seva Nidhi exit package of ₹11.71 lakh after four years. Half of the total will be through their contributions.
The remaining 25% will be inducted into the regular cadres of the armed forces to serve for 15 more years.
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