In a significant decision aimed at honoring the service of ex-soldiers under the Agnipath scheme, the Uttarakhand government has approved 10 percent horizontal reservation for former Agniveers in direct recruitment to state government services. The move is being hailed as a major step towards ensuring job security and career opportunities for youth who have served in the armed forces.
Policy for Empowering Former Agniveers
The Uttarakhand cabinet’s approval of 10 percent horizontal reservation for former Agniveers will apply across various departments for direct recruitment. Horizontal reservation works differently from vertical reservation it cuts across all categories such as General, OBC, SC, and ST, ensuring that former Agniveers get priority regardless of their social category.
Officials said the policy will help ex-Agniveers reintegrate into civilian life after completing their service tenure. With this, Uttarakhand joins a growing list of states recognizing the contribution of Agniveers by securing their place in the government workforce.
A Boost to Employment Prospects
Under the Agnipath scheme, soldiers serve in the armed forces for four years, after which a portion is retained, and the rest return to civilian life. Many former Agniveers have been seeking stable employment options, and the 10 percent horizontal reservation for former Agniveers in Uttarakhand is expected to open significant opportunities in administrative, police, and other state services.
State government spokespersons emphasized that the measure aligns with the central government’s vision to ensure smooth rehabilitation of ex-Agniveers. Apart from job security, the move is expected to boost morale among current and prospective Agniveers, showing them that their short term military service will be valued in the long run.
Wider Implications for the State
Experts believe this policy could also strengthen Uttarakhand’s governance by bringing disciplined, trained, and service minded individuals into the bureaucracy and public services. The 10 percent horizontal reservation for former Agniveers is not just an employment measure it is an acknowledgment of the skills, sacrifice, and dedication of youth who chose to serve the nation in uniform.
This initiative could also inspire other states to adopt similar measures, creating a nationwide framework for supporting former Agniveers in post military careers.
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