New Delhi: Indian Navy chief Admiral R Hari Kumar on Friday admitted that he had not anticipated the violent protests being witnessed across India over the recently-launched Agnipath scheme for recruitment in the Armed Forces.
The recruitment scheme was launched by the three Service chiefs on June 14, in the presence of Union Defence minister Rajnath Singh.
“I didn’t anticipate any protests like this. We worked on Agnipath scheme for almost a year and a half,” Admiral Kumar was quoted as saying by ANI.
The Navy chief felt these protests are taking place because of misinformation and misunderstanding.
Stressing that the Agnipath scheme is a transformational one, he said: “It is a made in India and a made for India scheme.”
As angry youths aspiring to join the Armed Forces demanded the scheme to be rolled back, the Navy chief said urged them not to protest and refrain from violence.
“They should understand the scheme and remain peaceful. This is a great opportunity for the youth to serve the country,” Admiral Kumar remarked.
In the wake of widespread protests, the Central government on Thursday raised the upper-age limit for recruitment under Agnipath scheme from 21 to 23 years for the year 2022.
Also Read: [Watch] ‘Agnipath’ Protests Spread To Odisha, Demonstration In Cuttack
