Itanagar, April 19:
Pema Khandu has announced that Arunachal Pradesh will introduce job reservation for Agniveers after completion of their four-year tenure under the Agnipath scheme.
Addressing a public gathering, the Chief Minister said that while ex-servicemen already receive reservation benefits, the state will now extend similar support to Agniveers, ensuring better rehabilitation and employment opportunities for youth exiting the armed forces.
The Agniveer (Agnipath) scheme, launched by the Government of India in 2022, recruits youth into the Army, Navy, and Air Force for a four-year term, after which only 25% are retained in regular service. The remaining 75% exit with a financial package and skill certification, but without guaranteed employment, making post-service support a key policy concern.
Khandu’s announcement aligns Arunachal Pradesh with a growing number of states that have already rolled out reservation or preference for ex-Agniveers. States such as Uttar Pradesh and Haryana have introduced around 20% reservation in police and related services, while Uttarakhand and Odisha have provided 10% reservation in uniformed jobs along with additional relaxations.
At the central level, the government has also announced reservation and age relaxations in Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and Assam Rifles for former Agniveers, aiming to create a structured pathway for their reintegration into the workforce.
The move by Arunachal Pradesh is expected to enhance employment security for local youth, while also encouraging greater participation in the Agnipath scheme by addressing concerns over post-service career prospects.
