Agnipath scheme: Centre files caveat in SC
One-liner: The Centre has filed a caveat (a warning) in SC and urged that it be heard before the court passes an order on petitions against the Agnipath scheme.
Age bracket: The scheme, announced on June 14, provides for the recruitment of youths between the age bracket of 17.5 and 21 for four years.
Protests: There is also a provision to retain 25% of them for 15 more years. Protests have erupted in several states against the scheme.
Extended: Later, the govt extended the upper age limit to 23 years for recruitment in 2022.
Fresh petition: Meanwhile, a fresh petition was filed in the apex court on Monday, seeking a direction to the Centre for reconsideration of the Agnipath scheme.
Provide inputs: The plea, filed by an advocate, has sought a direction for the constitution of a committee for providing inputs to the Dept of Military Affairs and Ministry of Defence.
Suggestions: It also wanted to invite suggestions, including from retired Army officers, for amendments to the scheme for providing job opportunities to 75% of Agniveers, post-retirement.
- It said the scheme is to be implemented from June 24 and the announcement of the Agnipath scheme has caused nationwide protests in various states
Short-term duration: The protest is regarding the short-term duration of four years coupled with future uncertainties of the trained Agniveers.
Status report: The plea has sought directions to the Centre and the UP, Telangana, Bihar, Haryana and Rajasthan govts to submit a status report on the violent protests.
Source: PTI