In a major step to support Agniveers after their short-term military service, the Uttar Pradesh government has approved a 20 percent reservation for them in recruitment for various posts in the state police force and the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC).
The decision was taken during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday.
According to the official statement, the reservation will apply to recruitment in categories such as constable (civil police), constable PAC, mounted police, and fireman. The move is aimed at providing employment opportunities to Agniveers who will complete their four-year tenure under the Agnipath scheme.
The Agnipath scheme, launched by the Centre in June 2022, allows youth to serve in the armed forces for a period of four years. While 25 percent of Agniveers are to be absorbed into regular military service, the remaining 75 percent are released from duty after their term. The first batch of Agniveers is expected to complete its term in 2026.
To further aid their transition into civilian life, the UP government has also decided to grant age relaxation of up to three years for Agniveers applying for these police and PAC posts.
According to reports, the Uttar Pradesh Police is expected to announce recruitment for nearly 28,000 posts soon, including positions such as sub-inspector, jail warden, computer operator, and more. With this new provision, Agniveers will be eligible to apply for a substantial number of these positions.
Uttar Pradesh joins Haryana in offering post-service support to Agniveers. Earlier, the Haryana government also approved 20 percent reservation for Agniveers in several government jobs.
The move is being seen as a crucial step in providing job security to youth who have served in the armed forces under the new military recruitment framework, while also strengthening the manpower in state police departments.
-IANS