Hyd Metro, MMTS cancelled after violent protests breakout at Secunderabad Railway Station

Hyderabad: After a violent protest broke out at the Secunderabad Railway Station on Friday morning, the Hyderabad Metro and MMTS services have been suspended until further notice.

"Passengers are informed that due to some disturbance in the city, all operations in all three lines of Hyderabad Metro Rail stand suspended till further notice. Passengers are advised to take care and make alternate arrangements," an L&TMRHL Spokesperson said.

Passengers across the city were not allowed into the metro stations in all lines. While the exits for the stations are open for passengers to come out, all the entries are closed.

As per sources, more than 200 people rushed onto a platform in Secunderabad Railway Station with sticks, protesting against the newly launched Agnipath scheme. The protestors allegedly burnt several bhogi's one of which was carrying parcels and cargo of India Post.

As many as 71 trains to and from Secunderabad Railway Station stand canceled.

What is Agnipath Scheme?

On June 14, Union Cabinet approved an Agnipath that will allow Indian youth to serve in the armed forces. Youth selected under this scheme will be known as Agniveers, and they will be allowed to serve in the armed forces for four years.

The government hopes to attract young talent who are more in tune with contemporary technological trends and "plow back skilled, disciplined and motivated manpower into the society."

"As for the armed forces, it will enhance the youthful profile of the armed forces and provide a fresh lease of 'Josh' and 'Jazba' whilst at the same time bring about a transformational shift towards more tech-savvy armed forces – which is indeed the need of the hour," the government said in a press release.

The implementation of the scheme is likely to bring down the average age profile of the Indian armed forces by about 4-5 years.

The government plans to recruit 46,000 Agniveers this year. Recruitment rallies will commence in 90 days.

Compensation and benefits

Agniveers will be given a customized monthly package along with risk and hardship allowances as applicable in the three services. On completion of the engagement period of four years, they will be paid a one-time 'Seva Nidhi' package of Rs. 11.71 lakh that will comprise their contribution, including accrued interest thereon, and a matching contribution from the government equal to the accumulated amount of their contribution, including interest.

The 'Seva Nidhi' will be exempt from Income Tax. Agniveers will not be entitled to gratuity and pensionary benefits but will be provided non-contributory life insurance cover of Rs. 48 lakhs for the duration of their engagement period.

Upon the completion of four years of service, based on organizational requirements and policies promulgated by the armed forces from time to time, Agniveers will be offered an opportunity to apply for permanent enrolment in the armed forces. The individuals, selected for enrolment in the armed forces as regular cadre, would be required to serve for a further engagement period of a minimum of 15 years and would be governed by the existing terms and conditions of service of junior commissioned officers/other ranks in the Indian Army and their equivalent in the Indian Navy and Indian Air Force and that of non-combatant enrolled in the Indian Air Force, as amended from time to time.