'Agnipath' scheme: armed forces aspirants in Bihar stage protests, block rail tracks

Violence was reported in parts of Bihar on Wednesday during protests against the Indian govt's new short-term recruitment plan for the armed forces.

The protesting groups, mainly made up of armed forces aspirants as per local reports, vandalised public property, pelted stones and blocked roads in Muzaffarpur district while in Buxar they are also reported to have blocked railway tracks.

According to reports, protestors are unhappy with the 4-year recruitment plan under the 'Agnipath' policy as the older policy provided pension and lifelong benefits.

After completion of the four-year tenure of the recruits, the scheme provides for retaining 25 per cent of each specific batch for regular service, based on organisational requirements and policies promulgated by the armed forces from time to time..

Those who will be enrolled in regular cadre after completion of four-year period will get the ex-servicemen status.

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