Urging youngsters to not get "deceived", Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday said the Centre's Agnipath scheme will give a "new dimension" to their life.
The chief minister also said soldiers recruited under the central government's Agnipath scheme will be given preference in recruitment in police and other services in the state.
His reaction came amid protests by youngsters against the 'Agnipath' scheme in several parts of the state and the country.
"'Agneepath Yojana' will give a new dimension to your life as well as give a golden base to the future. Don't be deceived. Our 'Agniveer', determined to serve Mother Bharati, will be an invaluable fund of the nation and the UP government will give preference to Agniveers in police and other services, " said Yogi Adityanath.
Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati have also criticised the scheme.
The Agnipath scheme was announced on Tuesday to recruit jawans into the army, the navy and the air force for a four-year-period followed by compulsory retirement for most without gratuity and pension benefits.
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