Proposal to reserve state jobs for discharged Agniveers cleared by Punjab CM
Punjab has begun work on a new policy for Agniveers returning from military service, with the state now preparing a framework that could reshape recruitment across several key government departments.
Punjab has moved to create a reservation policy for Agniveers in state government jobs after completion of their tenure under the Agnipath scheme, with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann giving in-principle approval to the proposal during a high-level meeting in Chandigarh on Tuesday.
The state government has also formed a high-powered committee of senior civil and police officers to prepare the framework and recruitment modalities for the proposed policy.
According to the Punjab government, the committee includes senior officers Vikas Partap, Bhawna Garg, Sumer Singh Gurjar and S S Srivastava.
The panel has been tasked with finalising recommendations on reservation criteria and recruitment procedures for Agniveers across various departments.
“The criteria regarding reservation and selection of Agniveers should be finalised at the earliest so that the services of these highly skilled and disciplined youth can be utilised in the best possible manner,” Mann said during the meeting.
FOCUS ON SECURITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE DEPARTMENTS
The Chief Minister said trained Agniveers could play an important role in strengthening several government departments after completing military service.
According to the state government, their services may be utilised in Punjab Police, the Forest Department, Fire Services, Jails, Home Guards and PESCO.
Mann said the policy would help rehabilitate disciplined and trained youth while contributing to Punjab’s social and economic development.
‘SWORD ARM OF THE NATION’
During the meeting, Mann also spoke about Punjab’s long association with military service and sacrifice.
He said Punjab has always been known as the “sword arm of the nation”, with generations of youth serving the country with courage and commitment.
The Chief Minister also referred to the state government’s compensation policy for families of personnel killed in the line of duty.
According to the government, Punjab provides financial assistance of Rs 1 crore to the families of martyrs from the Armed Forces, paramilitary forces, police and other services.
The state government expressed hope that the proposed reservation policy would secure the future of Agniveers and provide stability to their families after the completion of military service.