Indian States Announce Special Reservations for Agniveers

Various Indian states, including Rajasthan, Assam, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh, announced special reservations and age relaxations for Agniveers in police and other uniform services on the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas. PM Modi emphasized the Agnipath scheme's role in modernizing the Indian Army.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma declared that the government would allocate reservations to Agniveers in the police department, and as prison and forest guards after their service in the Indian Army. "I bow down to the Kargil War bravehearts on its 25th anniversary, who sacrificed for the motherland. Our government will provide reservations in the police department and as prison and forest guards under PM Modi's Agniveer scheme," CM Sharma stated.

In a similar move, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the state would recruit a majority of Agniveers into the police force. "Bharat will ensure the Opposition's mission to weaken the Indian Army by spreading lies about the Agnipath Scheme is defeated. Assam supports PM Narendra Modi's modernization efforts of @adgpi and will absorb most Agniveers into @assampolice," Himanta declared on X.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi revealed a 10 percent quota and a five-year age relaxation for Agniveers in uniform services. Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav also confirmed that Agniveer Jawans would receive reservations in state police and armed forces recruitment. These announcements coincide with the 25th Kargil Vijay Diwas anniversary.

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath announced that Agniveers would receive recruitment weightage in the UP Police and Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) forces post their service. He noted the nation benefits from trained young soldiers. Additionally, ex-Agniveers will get a 10 percent reservation, age relaxation, and exemption from PET in BSF, CISF, RPF, SSB, and CRPF.

CRPF Director General Anish Dayal Singh confirmed preparations for recruiting ex-Agniveers. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the Agnipath scheme during his address in Ladakh's Kargil for the Kargil Vijay Diwas 25th anniversary.

Emphasizing the scheme, PM Modi stated that the Agnipath's goal was to maintain a young and battle-ready army. He mentioned that significant army reforms have been long overdue. "The country has felt the need for major reforms in the defence sector for decades. Agnipath reflects these necessary changes," PM Modi said in his address.

(With inputs from agencies.)