Agnipath: 35 WhatsApp groups banned for spreading fake news

New Delhi, Jun 19: The central government on Sunday banned as many as 35 WhatsApp groups for spreading fake news about Agnipath, the new military recruitment scheme.

The move came amid violent protests against the scheme in different parts of the country since it was announced a few days ago.

As many as 35 WhatsApp groups were banned by the government for allegedly spreading fake news about the Agnipath scheme, the government officials said.

However, information about these groups or if any action has been initiated against their administrators was not immediately known.

Ruling out the rollback of the 'Agnipath' recruitment scheme despite widespread protests, the three services of the military on Sunday came out with a broad schedule of enrolment under the new policy and asserted that it was aimed at bringing down the age profile of the armed forces.

Unveiling the scheme on Tuesday, the government had said youngsters between the ages of 17-and-a-half and 21 years would be inducted for a four-year tenure, while 25 per cent of the recruits will be retained for regular service.

"Cognisant of the fact that it has not been possible to undertake the recruitment during the last two years, the government has decided that a one-time waiver shall be granted for the proposed recruitment cycle for 2022," according to a statement issued by the defence ministry.

"Accordingly, the upper age limit for the recruitment process for Agnipath scheme for 2022 is increased to 23 years," the statement said.

Advantages and Disadvantages of 'AGNIPATH' scheme 2022

Advantages of 'AGNIPATH' scheme 2022

• A transformative reform of recruitment policy of the Armed Forces.
• A unique opportunity to the youth to serve the country and contribute to Nation Building.
• Armed Forces profile to be youthful and dynamic.
• Attractive financial package for the Agniveers.
• Opportunity for Agniveers to train in the best institutions and enhance their skills & qualifications.
• Availability of well disciplined and skilled youth with military ethos in civil society.
• Adequate re-employment opportunities for those returning to society and who could emerge as role models for the youth.