Recruitment for the Indian Armed Forces under a new plan will begin this month, senior defense officials said Sunday, despite protests against a scheme that would drastically shorten tenure and offer fewer post-contract benefits, Reutors reported..

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government has laid out a policy called Agnipath, or "

The scheme sparked violent protests in the northern and eastern parts of the country, where thousands of young people attacked train cars, burned tires and clashed with the authorities, after which the government changed some rules.

The plan has also been criticized by some defense experts, who say it could weaken the military's structure and have serious national security implications in a country that often has tense border situations with Pakistan and China..

But senior Defense officials say Agnipath is a transformational reform aimed at revamping the security infrastructure..

\? This was a welcome reform,"

According to Agnipath, 46,000 cadets will be recruited this year, and only 25% will remain in the service after a four-year term.. Cadets will complete six months of training and then be assigned to 3-1/2 years of service..

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One of the biggest concerns is the fate of the soldiers after they finish their term, but Puri said the government will make sure those who enlist under the scheme find suitable jobs after they leave..

He said that anyone participating in violent protests would not qualify for protection services under the scheme..

On Sunday, the Federal Home Office said it would reserve 10% of vacancies in the paramilitary and Assam Rifles, a division of the Indian Army, for those who left the army under the scheme, while the Defense Department said it would reserve 10.

Earlier it was reported that a military clash took place on the border of India and China, as a result of which about twenty soldiers were killed..