Amidst ongoing controversy surrounding the Agniveer scheme, with the opposition questioning the compensation provided to the family of slain Ajay Kumar, the Central forces have announced a 10% reservation for ex-Agniveers in vacancies. This development comes as Rahul Gandhi, a prominent Congress leader, criticizes the government over the compensation provided to martyrs and the Congress party demands a ‘white paper’ on the Agnipath scheme for short-term military recruitment.
On Thursday, CISF Director General Nina Singh and BSF chief Nitin Agrawal confirmed the 10% reservation for former Agniveers in constable positions within their respective forces, aligning with a decision by the Union Home Ministry. Singh stated, “The Union Home Ministry has taken an important decision regarding the recruitment of ex-Agniveers. Accordingly, the CISF is also preparing the process of the recruitment of an ex-Agniveer.” Meanwhile, Union Minister Giriraj Singh criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and accused him of spearheading an ‘anti-Agniveer’ campaign with the ‘tukde tukde’ gang. Singh asserted, “These people want to discredit Agniveer and mislead the youth. No scheme like Agniveer was brought so far. Agniveer is the best scheme.”
CRPF Director General Anish Dayal confirmed the CRPF’s preparedness to induct ex-Agniveers, stating that they have amended recruitment rules to facilitate this process. Dayal emphasized that the first batch of Agniveers will benefit from an age relaxation of five years, along with the 10% reservation and an exemption from the Physical Efficiency Test (PET).
CISF Director General Nina Singh clarified that the age relaxation will be provided in the physical tests as well. She explained to DD News, “In the first year, the age relaxation is for five years and in the subsequent year, the age relaxation will be three years.” Singh assured that ex-Agniveers will be able to leverage this benefit and that the CISF will ensure their inclusion.
The Agnipath scheme, introduced in June 2022 by the Central government, recruits youths aged 17-and-a-half to 21 for a four-year period, with a provision to retain 25% of them for an additional 15 years. Several central government agencies and departments have already announced plans to recruit former Agniveers.
BSF director general Nitin Agrawal highlighted the advantages of recruiting former Agniveers with their four years of experience. He explained, “They got four years of experience. They are fully disciplined and trained personnel. This is very good for the BSF as we are getting trained soldiers. After a short training, they will be deployed along the border.”
