In a notable policy decision, the Ministry of Home Affairs has granted a 20% reservation for ex-Agniveers in the recruitment of constables (executive) for the Delhi Police. This initiative also includes significant relaxations in eligibility criteria designed to facilitate the transition of Agniveers into civilian roles within law enforcement.
The changes result from amendments made to the Delhi Police (Appointment and Recruitment) Rules, 1980. This move aligns with the broader objectives of the central government to integrate Agniveers into various security forces following their four-year military tenure.
Key features of the new policy include a reservation of 20% for ex-Agniveers in the constable (executive) ranks. Additionally, candidates will benefit from an exemption from the Physical Efficiency Test (PET), which usually entails rigorous tasks such as running. There will also be a relaxation of three years in the upper age limit, adjusting it from 25 to 28 years. Furthermore, the inaugural batch of Agniveers will receive an additional five-year relaxation, allowing them to apply up to the age of 30.
While candidates are exempt from the PET, they must still comply with specified physical measurement and medical standards to ensure they meet the necessary criteria for the roles they seek.
This policy represents a formalization of an earlier decision approved by Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor, V K Saxena, marking a substantial departure from the previous system that mandated 100% direct recruitment. Officials have indicated that the Delhi Police Commissioner will release detailed recruitment procedures, which will encompass written examinations and physical measurement tests in due course.
This initiative is part of a broader national strategy aimed at establishing clear career pathways for Agniveers once their service is complete under the Agnipath scheme. By implementing reservations and relaxing certain conditions, the government seeks to utilize the trained, disciplined workforce of ex-Agniveers in internal security roles, thus enhancing their employment prospects.
The development underscores a growing commitment to incorporate military-trained personnel into civilian security frameworks, thereby bolstering both national security and operational efficiency within the workforce.
