IAF releases details on Agnipath recruitment scheme: Key points | India News

NEW DELHI: As protests against the Centre’s Agnipath scheme entered its fifth day on Sunday, the Union defence minister and held a meeting with the tri-service chiefs, while the Indian Air Force released details on the recruitment model.
Here’s a look at the top developments of the day
IAF releases details on Agnipath scheme
The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Sunday released the details of the Agnipath recruitment scheme amid the ongoing agitation and widespread protests against the scheme across several states.
The process for the recruitment will begin from June 24. The IAF document lists the eligibility, educational qualification, medical standards, assessment, leave, remuneration, life insurance cover, etc., among many other factors. As the recruitment process is also open to those below 18 years, the enrolment form will need to be signed by the parents for those aspirants who are below 18 years of age, the IAF notification said.

“Post the period of four years, each Agniveer will go back to the society, based on organisational requirements and policies promulgated by the IAF,” the document said, explaining the benefits which the government will provide to the 75 per cent who will not be retained.
Priyanka, other party leaders take part in protest
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other party leaders on Sunday took part in a protest against the Agnipath scheme.
Rajnath Singh holds meet
As protests against the Centre’s Agnipath scheme continue in several parts of the country, defence minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday held a meeting at his residence.
The tri-service chiefs were expected to attend the meeting and discuss the rollout of the scheme and ways to pacify agitators. This is the second such meeting called by Singh in two days.
Additional Secretary Lt General Puri to address presser
Department of Military Affairs Additional Secretary Lt General Anil Puri will address a press conference in South Block on Sunday on the new model of recruitment scheme, at around 2pm, the government said.

‘Is this MGNREGA-like step for educated youth or hidden agenda of RSS?’
RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Sunday said there were many doubts about the scheme in the minds of the youth and demanded that it be withdrawn.
He asked whether this was a MGNREGA-like initiative for the educated youth or there was a “hidden agenda” of the RSS in it. Yadav also appealed to the youth to protest peacefully against the scheme.
Why is Prime Minister Narendra Modi silent on the whole issue, he asked. He said the government talked about ‘one rank, one pension’, but has come up with a scheme of “no rank, no pension”.
The former deputy chief minister of Bihar posed 20 questions to the government, asserting that there were many doubts in the minds of the people which should be cleared by the government.
“Protests are taking place in many parts of the country and there is anger among those who want to become soldiers,” he said. Yadav demanded that the scheme be withdrawn.
Rahul asks party workers not to celebrate his birthday
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who turned 53 on Sunday, has asked his supporters to refrain from celebrating his birthday as youth are sad. The appeal comes in backdrop of wide protest against the Agnipath scheme.
In an appeal, he said, “I appeal to all Congress workers and my well wishers across the country not to hold any kind of celebrations on the occasion of my birthday.”
The Congress on Sunday will hold a ‘Satyagrah’ against the Agnipath scheme at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.
(With inputs from agencies)