NEW DELHI: In the midst of major demonstrations against the Agnipath programme, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called a high-level meeting with service commanders in Delhi on Saturday.

The key meeting between the Defence Minister and the service chiefs took place shortly after the Union Home Ministry declared a 10% reservation for Agniveers in CAPF and Assam Rifles recruitment on Saturday.

The three service chiefs are said to be hopeful about the plan, which will see youths enlisted in the Army, Navy, and Air Force for a four-year period. General Manoj Pande, the Army Chief of Staff, stated that the initiative will bring opportunities to the youth and the ongoing resistance is because they are not properly informed.

The Indian Army said it will release a notification in the next two days, while the Indian Air Force said it will begin recruiting on June 24. The Indian Navy has stated that the process will commence as soon as possible.

"The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) decides to reserve 10% vacancies for recruitment in CAPFs and Assam Rifles for Agniveers, completing four years under the Agnipath Scheme announced by the Government of India, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi," the Home Minister's Office said in a series of tweets.

It was also stated that "In addition, the MHA has decided to grant Agniveers a three-year age relaxation above the specified upper age restriction for recruitment into the CAPFs and Assam Rifles. Furthermore, the age relaxation for the first batch of Agniveer will be for 5 years beyond the authorised maximum age restriction." 

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