Dehradun (Rajeev Sharma): In a significant move to support Agniveers post their military service, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced on Saturday that the state government is actively working on a proposal to grant 10% horizontal reservation to Agniveers in government jobs across various departments. The announcement was made during a programme held in observance of Kargil Vijay Diwas, dedicated to honouring ex-servicemen and the families of fallen soldiers.
CM Dhami stated that the reservation would apply to those who successfully complete four years of service under the Centre’s Agnipath scheme, and the proposal will soon be tabled before the state cabinet for approval.
“We are preparing to offer 10 per cent horizontal reservation to Agniveers in sectors like police, forest, transport, and other government departments. This initiative will provide significant post-service opportunities to those who dedicate four years of their youth in the defence of the nation,” said Dhami.
Horizontal reservation, unlike vertical reservation based on caste categories such as SC, ST, and OBC, cuts across all categories and benefits individuals like women, ex-servicemen, and now, Agniveers.
The Agnipath scheme, introduced by the Union Government in 2022, enables the recruitment of youth aged 17.5 to 21 into the armed forces for a period of four years, with the option to retain 25% for a longer tenure of 15 years.
Several central agencies and state governments have already announced similar support systems for Agniveers. Now, Uttarakhand is set to join that list with structured post-service benefits.
During the event, Dhami also highlighted a series of welfare measures recently undertaken by the state for soldiers and their families:
- Ex-gratia for families of martyrs has been raised from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 50 lakh.
- For Param Vir Chakra awardees, the ex-gratia amount has been hiked to Rs 1.5 crore.
- Gallantry award winners will now receive increased lump sum and annual financial benefits.
- Drone training programs will be provided to wives and daughters of ex-servicemen under the “Drone Didi” initiative.
- Free pilgrimage to Badrinath Dham for ex-servicemen, Veer Naris, and spouses of soldiers aged 60 or above.
- Shaurya Sthal (Military Dham) in Dehradun is nearing completion and will serve as a lasting tribute to the state’s martyrs. The site incorporates soil from martyr homes and water from 28 rivers across the state.
- 37 dependents of martyred soldiers have so far been offered government employment.
- The application period for jobs reserved for dependents of martyrs has been extended from two to five years.
- 25% discount on stamp duty is now being provided to serving and retired military personnel and gallantry awardees for purchasing permanent property worth up to Rs 25 lakh.
- Free travel in Uttarakhand Roadways buses continues for gallantry award winners and ex-servicemen.
CM Dhami reaffirmed that the government remains committed to honouring the sacrifices of military families and empowering them with new opportunities.
