Amid Agnipath protests, Defence Minister assures recruitment to begin soon

New Delhi: Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said the recruitment into the military through the Agnipath scheme will begin soon and advised youngsters to start preparation. The minister's statement came as widespread protests against Agnipath continued for the third day across the country. Calling the scheme a 'golden opportunity', the defence minister thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for allowing an age waiver for the first batch to be recruited through the scheme.

In a statement, Rajnath Singh, who is on a two-day visit to Jammu & Kashmir, said that many youths did not get the opportunity to join the Armed Forces, as the recruitment process could not take place for the last two years.

Keeping in mind the future of the youth, the Minister stated that the government, under the direction of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has increased the age limit for the recruitment of Agniveers from 21 years to 23 years for the recruitment cycle of 2022.

"The relaxation of age indicates that the Government cares for our youth. Department of Military Affairs, Ministry of Defence and the Services are committed to commencing the recruitment process at the earliest. We invite the youth to join the Armed Forces and serve the Nation through Agnipath.

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