Uttarakhand has cleared the way for two Agniveers from the first batch under the Agnipath scheme to join the 40th Battalion of the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), with Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami giving the approval in Dehradun on October 16, 2026. The two personnel are due to complete their four-year tenure with the Indian Army and be released from service in November 2026. Their induction will be against existing vacant posts in the battalion.
The decision came after a communication from a Joint Secretary in the Government of India, who informed the state that the first cohort of Agniveers recruited under the scheme would finish their service in November 2026. The letter also requested that two Agniveers from Uttarakhand be accommodated, following which the Chief Minister authorised their placement in the 40th PAC Battalion.
This is described as the first appointment of Agniveers in uniformed posts of the State government service. It also fits the post-service employment framework linked to the Agnipath scheme, which was launched in June 2022 for fixed-term contractual recruitment in the armed forces.
What the Chief Minister said
In a statement, Chief Minister Dhami said: “The Agnipath scheme is fostering a spirit of discipline, service to the nation, and dedication to duty among the youth of our country. The skills, experience, and discipline that Agniveers acquire during their service in the Indian Army constitute an invaluable asset to the nation.” He added that the state government deeply respects the contributions and capabilities of these Agniveers and is committed to providing further opportunities for those who have already served the nation.
According to the statement, the aim is to help Uttarakhand benefit from their military experience, discipline, and proficiency while giving them a chance to continue serving in public roles.
Broader state-level policy for ex-Agniveers
Reports also say the state cabinet, in a recent meeting held in Haridwar, decided to exempt retired Agniveers from the written examination and physical test for appointment against the 10 per cent seats reserved for them in direct recruitment to uniformed Group ‘C’ posts in state services. These posts include positions in the police, PAC, forest guards, and jail wards.
The approval reflects coordination between the Centre and the state government to create continued service avenues for personnel completing their fixed-term military engagement. At the same time, the induction remains subject to available vacancies and applicable service requirements.
