Haryana Offers 10% Reservation in Government Jobs for Agniveers

In a significant move, the Haryana government has announced a comprehensive package to support Agniveers, the soldiers recruited under the Agnipath scheme. Chief Minister Nayab Saini, during a press conference in Chandigarh, revealed that the state would provide a 10% reservation for Agniveers in government jobs. This decision makes Haryana the first state in India to offer such a substantial quota for Agniveers post their four-year service in the armed forces. 

The Chief Minister elaborated on the various components of this support package, stating, "We will provide a 3-year age relaxation for Agniveers in the maximum age limit set for government positions in Group B and C. For the first batch of Agniveers, this age relaxation will be extended to 5 years." 

Additional Benefits and Opportunities 

Beyond the job reservation, the Haryana government has outlined several other measures to assist Agniveers in their post-service life. Saini announced, "The government will provide 5% horizontal reservation for Agniveers in direct recruitment to civil posts in Group C, and 1% horizontal reservation in Group B posts." 

Furthermore, the state has planned financial incentives for industries employing Agniveers. "If an Agniveer is given a salary of more than Rs. 30,000 per month by an industrial unit, our government will provide a subsidy of Rs. 60,000 per year to that industrial unit," the Chief Minister explained. 

In a move to encourage entrepreneurship among Agniveers, Saini declared that those opting to start their own businesses would receive interest-free financial assistance of up to Rs. 5 lakhs from the government. Additionally, Agniveers will be granted arms licenses, further enhancing their career prospects in security-related fields. 

Context of the Agnipath Scheme 

The Agnipath scheme, introduced by the central government in June 2022, is a short-term recruitment program for the Indian Armed Forces. Under this scheme, soldiers, known as Agniveers, are recruited for a four-year period, with the possibility of extension for another four years. Upon completion of service, 25% of Agniveers will be absorbed into the regular armed forces, while the remaining 75% will receive a significant financial package and skill certificates to aid their transition to civilian life. 

This scheme has been a topic of debate, with opposition leaders like Rahul Gandhi criticizing it during the recent Lok Sabha elections. Gandhi had stated that if the INDIA alliance came to power, they would scrap the Agnipath scheme, calling it a creation of the Prime Minister's Office rather than the Indian Army. 

Broader Support for Agniveers 

Haryana's announcement comes in the context of broader support measures for Agniveers at the national level. Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) like the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) have already announced 10% reservation for ex-Agniveers in their recruitment processes. These forces will also provide age relaxation and exemption from physical tests for former Agniveers. 

Haryana's comprehensive package for Agniveers sets a new benchmark in supporting these young veterans. As the first batch of Agniveers nears the completion of their service, such initiatives are likely to play a crucial role in their successful reintegration into civilian life and further career development.