Reservation for Agniveers; Haryana to provide Agniveers with interest-free loans and employment in police and forest departments

CHANDIGARH: Haryana government has introduced reservation for Agniveers in various government jobs including police, mining guard and forest guard. Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced that 10 percent reservation will be given to Agniveers. It is interesting to note that the announcement was made by the Haryana government when there was a sharp difference of opinion between the opposition and the ruling party regarding the Agnipath scheme. The crucial government announcement comes at a time when the assembly elections in Haryana are to be held in a few months.

On June 14, 2022, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the Agniveer scheme, where youth between the ages of 17 and 25 can apply for military service. The appointment is for four years. The structure of the Agniveer was such that 25 percent of these recruits could be appointed for an additional 15 years of service. Those who remain will be provided with a proper financial package upon leaving the service.

In Haryana, Agniveers will get three years of relaxation in age limit for Group B and C category government jobs. Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said that five per cent reservation will be given to Agniveers in civil posts in Group C category and one per cent in Group B category. He had alleged that Congress was deliberately creating problems and that the Agniveer scheme was good.