Central government ban 35 WhatsApp groups for allegedly spreading fake news on the Agnipath Scheme and the Agniveers, government sources said.
This action was taken by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) amid reports that social media platforms such as WhatsApp were being use for mobilising protests in states like Bihar which grew more virulent, 17th June 2022, when a mob attack Deputy Chief Minister Renu Devi’s house, besides causing damage to the railway property and disrupting the normal life in a number of districts in Bihar.
As per sources, the Centre has also issue a number 8799711259 for WhatsApp fact-checking.
On 17th June 2022, the Bihar government also suspend internet services in 12 of its districts and said that the internet was being use to transmit objectionable content in order to spread rumours with an intent to incite the public and cause damage to life and property.
Bihar has witnessing agitations since 15th June 2022, a day after the government came out with the new scheme for recruiting youngsters to the arm forces on a four-year contractual basis after which only 25% shall be “regularised” base on the performance assessment by seniors, while the rest will be discharge from service without pensionary benefits.
Sanjay Singh ADG, Law and Order, had Said :
“In the three days (from 15th June 2022 to 17th June 2022), around 620 people have arrest and as many as 130 First Information Reports (FIRs) have register in Bihar,”
Earlier on the protests against Agnipath recruitment scheme, adding that “140 people were arrested”.
As per the East Central Railway, over 60 trains were cancel and two were terminate due to the prevailing law and order problems and threat perception to the railway property and passengers in Bihar.
Unveiling the ‘Agnipath’ scheme, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that it was a transformative initiative that would provide a youthful profile to the armed forces.
Rajnath Singh Said :
“Under the Agnipath Scheme, Indian youngsters will be provided an opportunity to serve in armed forces as Agniveer,”.
The Agnipath scheme has brought to strengthen India’s security.
The ‘Agniveers’ will be given a good pay package and an exit retirement package after a service of four years.
This move comes in a bid to slash the ballooning salary and pension bills, amid major concerns the move will adversely impact the professionalism, military ethos and fighting spirit of the over 14 lakh strong armed forces.
Agnipath is a pan India merit-based recruitment scheme for enrolling soldiers, airmen and sailors.
This scheme provides an opportunity for the youth to serve in the regular cadre of the armed forces.
All those recruit under the Agnipath Scheme will be call as ‘Agniveers’.
Agniveers will be enroll for a service duration of 4 years including the training period.
After four years, only 25% of the Agniveers will be retained or re-enlisted in the regular cadre based on merit, willingness and medical fitness.
These 25% Agniveers will then serve for a full term of another 15 years.
The first four years, serve under a contract, are not likely to be taken into consideration for the fixation of the final pensionary benefits.
The other 75% ‘Agniveers’ will be demobilized, with an exit or “Seva Nidhi” package of Rs. 11-12 lakh, partly funded by their monthly contributions, as well as skill certificates and bank loans for help in their second careers.
