Uttarakhand Reserves 10% Uniformed Posts for Retired Agniveers

Rapid Summary

• Uttarakhand government has issued rules for a 10% horizontal reservation for retired Agniveers in direct recruitment too uniformed posts under the state’s Group C services.
• The beneficiaries must be natives of Uttarakhand and will receive exemptions from physical efficiency tests and relaxation in the maximum age limit.
• Roles covered include Police Constable, Sub Inspector, Platoon Commander PAC, Fireman, Deputy Jailor, Forest Guard, Excise constable, among others.
• The reservation applies across all categories (General to SC/ST and OBC).
• This decision follows last month’s cabinet approval of the proposal.
• Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami described this as a step towards securing the future of retired Agniveers and honoring their service.
• Similar reservations exist in Haryana (20%), Uttar Pradesh (20%), and other BJP-led states like Madhya Pradesh and chhattisgarh have also adopted similar policies earlier this year.

Indian Opinion Analysis
The Uttarakhand government’s move reflects an acknowledgment of Agniveers’ contributions under India’s short-term military service scheme. By granting horizontal reservations in key state-run roles with added exemptions such as relaxed age limits and physical test waivers, it attempts to address post-retirement security concerns associated with this tenure-limited program. this initiative aims not only to create employment opportunities but also recognizes veterans as valuable resources capable of enhancing public services like policing or forestry through their disciplined training.

However, comparisons may arise over variations across states offering different levels of reservations for Agniveers – ranging from 10% in Uttarakhand to 20% elsewhere – which might warrant further assessment at a national level regarding standardization or equity concerns.

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