Protests against Agnipath scheme in Bihar & UP

Protests against the Centre's 'Agnipath' scheme for hiring jawans on a short-term contractual basis continued across Bihar for the second consecutive day on Thursday. Protests have also broken out in some parts of Uttar Pradesh and Delhi

Aspirants preparing for jobs in defence forces disrupted railway and road traffic in Jehanabad, Buxar and Nawada districts. Protestors blocked the movement of some trains by lying down on the railway tracks

Hundreds of agitators also blocked a highway and burned tyres demanding the scrapping of the scheme. Angry protestors took out processions in some districts.

Under the 'Agnipath' scheme, around 45,000 people aged between 17.5 and 21 years will be inducted into the armed forces for a four-year period

After the completion of this period, 25% will be allowed to continue under permanent commission, while the rest will have to retire sans pension or gratuity benefits. They, however, have been promised preference in employment to central armed police forces.