With Huge 'Agnipath' Protests, The Centre's First Compromise

Critics say that the new recruits will miss out on entitlements enjoyed by existing personnel, including government pensions, unless they are retained after the four-year programme.

Violence raged today across seven states against the new recruitment scheme for the army, despite an important change announced by the government on the age limit for those eligible for a four-year tenure.

The "Agnipath" scheme was announced by the centre on Tuesday; it led nearly instantly to demonstrations across the country which have included trains being set on fire and the storming of the BJP's offices in states like Bihar.

As the violence entered the third day, Home Minister Amit Shah tweeted, " Prime Minister has taken a sensitive decision by showing concern for the youth of the country".

The decision by the government is its first big give on the scheme in the wake of the anger against it.