Uttar Pradesh Government Grants 20% Reservation to Ex-Agniveers in Police and Fire Services

 In a significant policy move, the Uttar Pradesh government has announced a 20% reservation for ex-Agniveers in direct recruitment to various positions within the state police and fire services. This decision, formalized in a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, aims to provide meaningful post-service employment opportunities to those who have completed their four-year tenure under the Agnipath scheme.

Reservation Details: Who Benefits and How?
The 20% reservation will apply as a horizontal reservation across all categories, including General, Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC). For example, if an ex-Agniveer belongs to the SC category, the reservation applies within the SC quota; similarly for OBC or other categories.

This initiative means that ex-Agniveers will have a substantial advantage in recruitment for various roles in the police and fire departments, facilitating their transition from military service to civilian security roles.

Age Relaxation and Recruitment Categories
Alongside the reservation, ex-Agniveers will also receive a special age relaxation of up to three years when applying for these posts. This will provide flexibility for former Agniveers to compete effectively for the openings.

Recruitment under this policy will focus on four specific categories:

• Police Constable
• Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) Constable
• Mounted Police
• Fireman
   

The first batch of recruits benefiting from this reservation system is expected to be inducted in 2026.

Government’s Rationale and Wider Context
UP Finance Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna, addressing the media post-cabinet meeting, highlighted the move as a way to recognise the dedicated service of Agniveers and to help them continue contributing to the nation’s security infrastructure.

“This is a significant decision... This not only recognises their service but ensures that they continue contributing to the nation’s security infrastructure after their military stint,” he said.

The decision aligns Uttar Pradesh with other states and central forces that have adopted similar policies. For instance, states like Haryana and Odisha have already provided 10% reservation to former Agniveers, making UP’s 20% reservation a notably generous and pioneering initiative.

Background: The Agnipath Scheme
Introduced by the Central Government in 2022, the Agnipath scheme was designed to induct personnel on a short-term basis into the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. This scheme’s goal was to reduce the age profile of the armed forces, making them younger and more agile.

Agniveers, after completing their four-year tenure, are required to transition out, which posed questions regarding their future career paths. By offering reservations in important state-level security services, the UP government is addressing this challenge by creating viable, respected employment avenues for these trained veterans.

Significance and Impact
This policy will likely encourage more young candidates to join the Agnipath scheme with the assurance of future employment in state police and fire departments. It also underscores the government’s commitment to honour the service of Agniveers while leveraging their skills to bolster state security apparatus.

Given the scale of Uttar Pradesh’s population and security needs, integrating ex-Agniveers into state services will strengthen manpower quality and ensure disciplined, trained personnel fill critical roles.

Conclusion: A Forward-Looking Move for Security and Employment
The UP government’s decision to provide 20% reservation and age relaxation to ex-Agniveers marks a forward-looking and supportive policy for ex-servicemen. By facilitating their entry into police and fire services, it ensures that these young veterans continue serving the nation beyond their military tenure.

This bold initiative places Uttar Pradesh at the forefront among Indian states in recognising and rewarding the contributions of Agniveers while addressing the dual goals of employment generation and enhancing state security.