The Uttarakhand government has finally fulfilled its promise of 10 per cent horizontal reservation for agniveers willing to don khaki, leaving greens, in the state.
The State Department of Personnel and Vigilance released its much-awaited “Horizontal Reservation Manual 2025 for Direct Recruitment to Uniformed Posts in Group-C Services in the State of Uttarakhand.”
According to the manual, agniveers will now be absorbed in Khaki uniform state services with 10 per cent horizontal reservation. The posts for agniveers will have reservations, Police and PAC Constables, Sub-Inspector, Platoon Commander PAC, Fireman, Fire Officer Grade-II, Jail Guard, Deputy Jailor, Forest Guard, Forester, Excise Constable, State Enforcement Constable and State Secretariat Security Guard.
The state government, in an statement released on Tuesday, said the reservation for the agniveers discharged from defence services will not only secure their future but will also inspire more youths to join the armed forces in coming days. Uttarakhand is a state with sizable number of ex- as well as serving defence population.
Chief Minister Dhami said, “Agniveers are a pride of our state. It’s our responsibility to provide them respect and employment opportunities. This decision is a step to secure their future. Our government is making efforts to provide employment opportunities for ex-servicemen and Agniveers.”
Dhami had earlier announced that his government would provide 10 per cent horizontal reservation for discharged Agniveers who will be relieved defence personnel after serving four years. The announcement came in the backdrop of the resentments in youths as to uncertain future of the agniveers who will be left without much on their hands after four years.
Besides, the Dhami government has increased ex gratia for the families of martyred soldiers from ₹10 lakh to ₹50 lakh along with government jobs to one of his family members. The amount for Param Vir Chakra awardees has been increased from ₹50 lakh to ₹1.5 crore.