Maharashtra Grants 10% Reservation for Former Agniveers in Government Services
The Maharashtra cabinet has approved a 10% reservation for former Agniveers in various state government uniformed services.
10% reservation approved for former Agniveers in Group-C services.
Exemption from written exams for these positions.
Policy includes provisions for age relaxation and physical tests.
In a significant move, the Maharashtra cabinet has sanctioned a 10% reservation for former Agniveers in uniformed Group-C services across multiple government departments. This decision was made during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, where a high-level secretarial committee was established to oversee the recruitment process. The departments affected include Home, State Excise, Forest, and Urban Development.
The newly approved policy aims to facilitate the recruitment of former Agniveers who are residents of Maharashtra into state government and semi-government security services. This reservation will be implemented as a compartmentalized horizontal reservation, allowing for adjustments if necessary, provided that existing social reservations are maintained.
The Agnipath scheme, launched by the central government in 2022, allows recruits aged 17.5 to 21 to serve in the armed forces for four years, after which a select 25% are permanently inducted based on their performance. The reservation covers various uniformed positions, including police constables, firefighters, and forest guards, among others. Notably, former Agniveers will be exempt from written examinations for these roles.
This initiative is expected to have a considerable impact on the employment landscape in Maharashtra, particularly for those who have served under the Agnipath scheme. It not only provides job opportunities but also acknowledges the skills and training these individuals have acquired during their service. The policy is likely to enhance the recruitment process within the state's security and related services.
Looking ahead, the state government plans to issue a detailed resolution outlining additional provisions such as age relaxation, adjustments in physical tests, and criteria for seniority and promotions. This comprehensive approach aims to streamline the integration of former Agniveers into the workforce, ensuring they receive fair opportunities in public service roles.
