The state government of Uttar Pradesh decided Tuesday to grant 20 per cent reservation for Agniveers in direct recruitment in different posts in the state police force. The decision was taken at a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, PTI reported.
Suresh Kumar Khanna, Finance Minister of the state, while talking to reporters after the cabinet meeting, said that the decision would provide a meaningful job opportunity to Agniveers after the completion of their four-year term under the Agnipath scheme.
“This is an important decision. The reservation will apply across different categories—general, SC, ST, and OBC. If an Agniveer is from the SC category, the reservation will apply within SC; if from OBC, then within OBC,” he explained, reported PTI.
He also noted that with regard to these posts, Agniveers will be receiving the benefit of age relaxation of up to three years. The recruitment will be in four categories: constable police, constable PAC, mounted police and fireman.
Khanna noted, “Several states and central forces have already taken steps to provide reservations for Agniveers. States like Haryana and Odisha have offered 10 percent reservation to former Agniveers. Now, the Uttar Pradesh Cabinet has approved a 20 percent horizontal reservation, which is a bold and generous initiative.”
The first batch of recruits under this system will come out in 2026, he said “Several states and central forces have already taken initiative to provide reservation to Agniveers. States like Haryana and Odisha have offered 10 per cent reservation to former Agniveers. The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet has now approved 20 per cent horizontal reservation, which is a bold and generous initiative,” Khanna said.
“This not only recognises their service but ensures they can continue contributing to the nation’s security infrastructure after their military stint,” he said.
The Centre introduced the Agnipath scheme in 2022 to induct personnel for short terms in the Army, Navy, and Air Force, with the aim of reducing the age profile of the three services.
