Ex-Agniveers: 10% Reservation in Central Forces, Age Relaxation
The Indian government has taken a significant step to support former Agniveers by providing them with a 10% reservation in key central security forces, including the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Border Security Force (BSF), and Railway Protection Force (RPF).
This move, announced by the Ministry of Home Affairs, aims to leverage the training and experience gained by Agniveers during their four-year stint in the armed forces. The central forces will also offer age relaxation to these ex-Agniveers, further facilitating their transition into these new roles.
Reservation in CISF, BSF, and RPF
According to the announcement, 10% of all constable vacancies in the CISF, BSF, and RPF will be reserved for former Agniveers. This reservation will ensure that these experienced and disciplined personnel have a direct pathway to continue serving the nation in critical security roles.
CISF Director-General Neena Singh confirmed that the force has made all necessary preparations to implement this reservation. She stated that the ex-Agniveers will also be granted relaxation in the Physical Efficiency Test, recognizing the rigorous training they have already undergone.
Similarly, BSF Director-General Nitin Agrawal expressed enthusiasm about welcoming former Agniveers into the force. He highlighted that these soldiers already possess four years of experience and training, making them well-suited for deployment along the borders after a brief conversion training.
The RPF, led by Director-General Manoj Yadava, also announced that all future constable recruitment in the force will include a 10% reservation for ex-Agniveers. Yadava stated that this move will “give new strength and energy and boost the morale of the force.”
Age Relaxation
In addition to the reservation, the central forces will also provide age relaxation to the former Agniveers.
For the first batch of ex-Agniveers, the upper age limit will be relaxed by five years. In subsequent batches, the age relaxation will be three years. This will ensure that the ex-Agniveers can take advantage of this opportunity and seamlessly transition into these new roles.
Addressing Concerns and Criticisms
The announcement of the Agnipath scheme, the short-term military recruitment program that gave rise to the Agniveers, has been met with some criticism and concerns from opposition parties.
Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has accused the government of considering the Agniveers as “use-and-throw laborers” and has raised concerns about the lack of compensation for the families of fallen Agniveers.
In response, the Indian Army has stated that the family of Agniveer Ajay Kumar, who died in a landmine explosion in Jammu and Kashmir, has already been paid Rs 98.39 lakh out of the total due compensation of Rs 1.65 crore. The government has also emphasized that an Agniveer who lays down his life in the line of duty receives a compensation of Rs 1 crore.
Significance and Benefits
The integration of former Agniveers into the central security forces holds significant benefits for both the individuals and the organizations involved.
For the ex-Agniveers, this opportunity provides a clear path for continued service and career progression, ensuring that their skills and experience gained during their time in the armed forces are not wasted. It also offers financial stability and a sense of purpose, as they transition into these new roles.
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For the central forces, the influx of trained and disciplined personnel from the Agniveer program will undoubtedly strengthen their operational capabilities. These ex-Agniveers bring with them a wealth of knowledge, physical fitness, and a strong sense of duty, which will enhance the overall effectiveness of the forces.
Moreover, this initiative aligns with the government’s broader strategy to utilize the skills and expertise of Agniveers for national security roles. By providing a seamless transition for these individuals, the government is ensuring that their training and experience are not lost, but rather channeled into critical security functions.
The decision to provide a 10% reservation for ex-Agniveers in the CISF, BSF, and RPF, along with age relaxation, is a commendable step by the Indian government. It demonstrates a commitment to supporting the men and women who have served the nation through the Agnipath scheme, ensuring that their contributions are recognized and their futures are secured.
This move not only benefits the ex-Agniveers but also strengthens the central security forces by infusing them with highly trained and disciplined personnel. As the Agnipath scheme continues to evolve, the integration of former Agniveers into these critical roles will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the future of India’s national security landscape.