On Saturday, coinciding with Kargil Vijay Diwas, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma announced that the state government will implement reservations for Agniveers in the recruitment processes for state police, jail guards, and forest guards. This move is part of the government’s commitment to recognizing the dedication and patriotism of Agniveers who have served the nation.
According to a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office, Sharma emphasized the government’s recognition of Agniveers’ efforts. “The Rajasthan government has implemented a reservation policy for Agniveers looking to continue their service to the state after protecting the country’s borders,” the statement read.
While the specific percentage of reservation has not yet been disclosed, this initiative aligns with the central government’s Agnipath scheme, introduced in 2022, which recruits young individuals aged 17-and-a-half to 21 into the Army, Navy, and Air Force on a four-year contractual basis.
This announcement follows a similar initiative by the Arunachal Pradesh government, which offers preferential treatment to retired Agniveers in recruitment for the state’s police, emergency, and fire departments. Chief Minister Pema Khandu confirmed this initiative aims to boost employment opportunities for local youth through training programs designed to prepare them for recruitment under the Agnipath scheme.
Under the Agnipath scheme, 25 percent of each batch of recruits, known as Agniveers, may receive offers for permanent positions after their tenure. Additionally, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs has allocated 10 percent of vacancies in the Central Armed Police Forces for ex-Agniveers.
Several states have followed suit, integrating retired Agniveers into local police forces to enhance public safety with experienced personnel. Rajasthan’s initiative marks a progressive approach to leveraging the skills and commitment of Agniveers for the betterment of state security services.
As details of the reservation policy unfold, many will be interested to see how this initiative develops in the coming months, contributing to both state security and the welfare of Agniveers.
