Agnipath: Centre bans 35 WhatsApp groups for spreading fake news

NEW DELHI: The Central government on Sunday banned 35 WhatsApp groups for allegedly spreading fake news on the Agnipath Scheme and the Agniveers, government sources said.

The action was taken by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) amid reports that social media platforms such as WhatsApp were being used for mobilising

protests in states like Bihar which grew more virulent on Friday (June 17), when a mob attacked 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 issued a number 8799711259 for WhatsApp fact-checking.

Unveiling the 'Agnipath' scheme, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said that it was a transformative initiative that would provide a youthful profile to the armed forces.

"Under the Agnipath Scheme, Indian youngsters will be provided an opportunity to serve in armed forces as Agniveer," Rajnath Singh had said.

The Agnipath scheme has been 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.

Notably, Agnipath is a pan India merit-based recruitment scheme for enrolling soldiers, airmen and sailors. The scheme provides an opportunity for the youth to serve in the regular cadre of the armed forces. All those recruited under the Agnipath Scheme will be called 'Agniveers'.

Agniveers will be enrolled for a service duration of 4 years including the training period. After four years, only 25 per cent of the Agniveers will be retained or re-enlisted in the regular cadre based on merit, willingness and medical fitness.

These 25 per cent Agniveers will then serve for a full term of another 15 years.

The first four years, served under a contract, are not likely to be taken intoconsideration for the fixation of the final pensionary benefits.

The other 75 per cent '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.