the Haryana government has announced a series of measures aimed at benefiting the Agniveers, who are part of the Central Government’s Agneepath Yojana. Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has declared a 10 percent reservation for Agniveers in both police and mining guard recruitment. This move comes as a part of a broader strategy to support these individuals in their post-service careers and ensure their smooth transition into civilian life.
Enhanced Opportunities for Agniveers in Haryana
The announcement underscores the Haryana government’s commitment to recognizing the contributions of Agniveers. The key points of this initiative include:
Reservation in Police Recruitment
Agniveers will now benefit from a 10 percent reservation in the recruitment process for Haryana police. This initiative is designed to provide Agniveers with stable employment opportunities and leverage their training and discipline gained during their service.
Mining Guard Recruitment
In addition to police recruitment, the Haryana government has also extended the 10 percent reservation to the mining guard recruitment. This move aims to open new avenues for Agniveers in a sector that requires vigilant and disciplined personnel.
Age Relaxation in Group C Posts
To further support Agniveers, the Haryana government has decided to provide a 3-year relaxation in the age limit for Group C and D posts. This relaxation ensures that the Agniveers can compete more effectively for these positions, acknowledging the time they have dedicated to their service.
Reservation in Group C Posts
In a bid to enhance employment opportunities, the Haryana government has announced a 5 percent reservation for Agniveers in the recruitment for Group C posts. This initiative is part of a comprehensive approach to integrate Agniveers into the state workforce.
Interest-Free Loans for Entrepreneurship
Recognizing the aspirations of Agniveers who wish to venture into entrepreneurship, the Haryana government will provide interest-free loans up to 5 lakhs. This financial support is aimed at empowering Agniveers to start their own businesses and contribute to the economy.
Parliamentary Discussions on Agneepath Yojana
The Haryana government’s announcement comes at a time when the Agneepath Yojana has been a subject of intense discussion in Parliament. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi raised concerns about the scheme, highlighting the lack of martyr status for Agniveers and describing them as “use and throw laborers.”
In response, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh refuted these claims, stating that the Agneepath Yojana was formulated after consultations with 158 organizations. Singh emphasized that the scheme is designed to modernize the armed forces and provide young Indians with valuable skills and experiences.
Impact of the Haryana Government’s Measures
The Haryana government’s measures are expected to have a profound impact on the lives of Agniveers. By providing reservations, age relaxations, and financial support, the state aims to facilitate the reintegration of Agniveers into civilian life and ensure their economic stability.
Improving Employment Prospects
The reservation policies in police and mining guard recruitment are likely to significantly improve the employment prospects for Agniveers. These sectors are known for their demand for disciplined and dedicated personnel, qualities that Agniveers inherently possess due to their rigorous training and service experience.
Support for Entrepreneurship
The provision of interest-free loans up to 5 lakhs is a strategic move to encourage entrepreneurship among Agniveers. This initiative not only supports individual aspirations but also contributes to the broader economic development of Haryana by fostering a culture of innovation and self-employment.
