'Agnipath For Skills Not Jobs' Says Bihar Deputy CM Hours After Attack On House

Since the Union Government announced the Agnipath defence recruitment scheme, it has elicited violent protests from several states. The outrage has only intensified with protestors damaging the property of Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Renu Devi. Her home in Bettiah along with BJP state chief Sanjay Jaiswal's house was attacked by the protestors. No one suffered injuries though.

Despite the violent attacks on her home, Renu Devi stood by her statement and told the media on June 17 that the Agnipath scheme is not a job. "I don't see Agnipath scheme as something that provides jobs; rather it is skill development with the armed forces," the BJP leader told NDTV, hours after her house was attacked.

Devi added, "These kids don't understand. They must know that people start looking for jobs at 23-24 years of age, whereas we are taking in those aged 17-and-a-half years too." She then condemned the violence and said, "The aspirants should know that violence during protests is unacceptable. It is not just about damage to private property; they are even damaging public property."

The deputy CM also opined that 75% of the candidates who'll be released will be given certificates which will state they're skilled and trained. "There is no dearth of jobs for trained people; India is a large nation," she added.

Renu Devi even claimed Agniveers will get a "graduation certificate" but the government has only declared a lighter curriculum for a three-year bachelor's degree after their four-year tenure ends.

Many protestors were miffed that they will not receive a pension after their service and addressing that, Renu Devi said that the recruits will receive more than Rs 11 lakh with in-hand salaried amounting between Rs 21,000 to Rs 32,000. She added, "Only those many jobs can be given as are required for the country. Not everyone can get a job from the government. Also, this is skill training, so what's the rationale for demanding pension and gratuity? Which country pays these benefits for a four-year training period?"

The protest first erupted in Bihar after the scheme was announced which then spread to Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh and the southern state of Telangana. On Friday, one person died and at least 15 were injured in Telangana's Secunderabad. The protestors have refused to relent despite changes made by the government to the scheme.

Suggested Reading: Agnipath Scheme Triggers Nationwide Protests, Here’s Everything You Need To Know