In a significant move aimed at bolstering the livelihood prospects of former Agniveers, the Uttar Pradesh Cabinet has unanimously ratified a proposal to offer 20% reservation in police recruitment for those who have completed their four-year service under the Agneepath scheme. This decision was finalized during a recent meeting chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
The reservation will not be confined to a single category but will be horizontally applied across all demographic segments, which include General, Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC). This means that former Agniveers belonging to any of these categories will receive reservations within their respective quotas. For example, an SC candidate previously serving as an Agniveer will benefit from the reservation calculated from the SC quota.
The recruitment process impacted by this policy will encompass roles such as Police Constable, Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), Mounted Constable, and Fireman, thereby broadening the scope of employment opportunities available to former servicemen.
Suresh Kumar Khanna, the Uttar Pradesh Finance Minister, elaborated on the initiative post-Cabinet meeting, stating that the primary goal is to provide meaningful post-service employment opportunities for those who have served under the Agneepath scheme. Additionally, the policy includes a provision for a three-year upper age limit relaxation for former Agniveers applying for these positions. The first phase of this recruitment is anticipated to commence in 2026, which coincides with the return of the inaugural batch of Agniveers.
The state government expressed that this decision not only recognizes the service rendered by Agniveers but also allows for their continued engagement in roles that contribute to national security. The Agneepath scheme, introduced by the Union government, is designed to enlist youth to serve in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force for a tenure of four years, paving the way for a robust pipeline of trained personnel entering the civilian workforce.
In July 2024, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had previously indicated the state’s intent to create job avenues for Agniveers in government roles, particularly within the police and PAC, reaffirming the government’s commitment to supporting those who serve the nation.
