Uttar Pradesh Approves 20% Police Reservation for Ex-Agniveers
In a significant move to integrate military-trained youth into civil services, the Uttar Pradesh government has announced a 20% horizontal reservation for former Agniveers in direct recruitment to various positions within the state police force. This decision, approved by the state cabinet on June 3, 2025, aims to provide meaningful post-service employment opportunities for Agniveers who have completed their four-year tenure under the Agnipath scheme.
Key Features of the Reservation Policy
The reservation policy will apply to direct recruitment for the following positions:
- Police Constable
- Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC)
- Mounted Constable
- Fireman
Former Agniveers will also receive a three-year relaxation in the upper age limit, aligning with the provisions available to ex-servicemen. The reservation will be horizontal, meaning it will apply within existing reservation categories such as General, SC, ST, and OBC. For instance, an OBC Agniveer will compete within the OBC quota.
Implementation Timeline
The first batch of Agniveers is expected to complete their service in 2026, coinciding with the commencement of recruitment under this policy. This alignment ensures that the policy directly benefits those transitioning from military to civilian roles.
Why This News is Important
Empowering Ex-Agniveers
This policy empowers former Agniveers by providing them with career opportunities in the state police force, allowing them to utilize their military training and discipline in civilian roles.
Enhancing Police Workforce
Integrating Agniveers into the police force is expected to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of law enforcement agencies, bringing in individuals with a strong sense of discipline and commitment.
Setting a Precedent
Uttar Pradesh becomes the first state to offer such a substantial reservation to Agniveers, setting a precedent for other states to follow in recognizing and utilizing the skills of military-trained youth
Supporting National Security
By facilitating the transition of Agniveers into civilian roles within the police force, the policy contributes to strengthening the state’s security infrastructure, ensuring a seamless integration of trained personnel.
Aligning with Central Government Initiatives
This move aligns with the central government’s Agnipath scheme, which aims to provide short-term employment in the armed forces, followed by opportunities in various sectors, including law enforcement.
Historical Context
The Agnipath Scheme
Launched by the Government of India in June 2022, the Agnipath scheme introduced a new model for the recruitment of soldiers in the Indian Armed Forces. Under this scheme, individuals are recruited for a four-year tenure, after which a portion may be retained in the permanent cadre, while the rest are released with a Seva Nidhi package. The scheme aims to bring in youthful energy and modernize the armed forces.
State-Level Initiatives
Following the implementation of the Agnipath scheme, several states have introduced measures to provide post-service employment opportunities for Agniveers. For example, Haryana and Odisha have announced a 10% reservation for Agniveers in police and other government jobs. Uttar Pradesh’s decision to offer a 20% reservation is a significant step in this direction, reflecting the state’s commitment to supporting its youth and enhancing its security apparatus.
Key Takeaways from “Uttar Pradesh Approves 20% Police Reservation for Ex-Agniveers”
| No. | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1. | Uttar Pradesh has approved a 20% horizontal reservation for former Agniveers in police recruitment. |
| 2. | The reservation applies to positions such as Police Constable, PAC, Mounted Constable, and Fireman. |
| 3. | Agniveers will receive a three-year age relaxation in the upper age limit. |
| 4. | The reservation is horizontal, applying within existing reservation categories like General, SC, ST, and OBC. |
| 5. | The first batch of Agniveers is expected to complete their service in 2026, aligning with the policy’s implementation. |
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the percentage of police reservation approved for ex-Agniveers in Uttar Pradesh?
Uttar Pradesh has approved a 20% horizontal reservation for ex-Agniveers in direct police recruitment.
2. Which police posts are included under this reservation?
The reservation applies to posts like Police Constable, Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), Mounted Constable, and Fireman.
3. What is the age relaxation provided to ex-Agniveers under this policy?
A three-year relaxation in the upper age limit is granted to former Agniveers, similar to the provision for ex-servicemen.
4. How is the reservation category applied to ex-Agniveers?
The reservation is horizontal, meaning it applies within existing reservation categories such as General, SC, ST, and OBC.
5. When will the recruitment under this policy begin?
The recruitment process with this reservation is expected to start after the first batch of Agniveers completes their four-year tenure in 2026.
6. What is the Agnipath scheme?
The Agnipath scheme is a central government initiative that recruits soldiers for a short tenure of four years in the Indian Armed Forces.
7. Why has Uttar Pradesh introduced this reservation for ex-Agniveers?
The aim is to provide career opportunities to military-trained youth and enhance the police force by integrating disciplined personnel.
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