A 10 per cent reservation has been earmarked in police and mining guard jobs for Agniveers, announced Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Wednesday, amid an escalating row over the Agnipath scheme between the Centre and the Opposition.
The Chief Minister also said that the government will provide interest-free loans of up to Rs 5 lakh if any Agniveer wishes to set up their own business.
"In direct recruitment to posts of constable, mining guard, forest guard, jail warden and special police officer made by the state government, there will be a 10 per cent horizontal reservation for Agniveers," he said at a press conference.
The decision comes months before the state goes to polls.
Launched in 2022, Agnipath scheme provides for short-term induction of personnel into the armed forces. Those in the 17.5-21 years age group are inducted for a four-year period. There is a provision to retain 25 per cent of these recruits for 15 more years. The remaining will be given a financial package as their service comes to an end. Those recruited under the scheme are called Agniveers.
The Chief Minister said that the Congress is spreading propaganda regarding the scheme, adding this is a very good plan of Prime Minister Narendra Modi as it leads to skilled youth.
Mr Saini said that in Group C and D posts, an age relaxation of three years will also be given.
"However, for the first batch of Agniveers, this age relaxation will be five years," Mr Saini added.
In direct recruitment for Group C civil posts, there will be a five per cent horizontal reservation for Agniveers, the Chief Minister said.
He also announced sops for industrial units employing Agniveers.
"If any industrial unit employs an Agniveer at a salary of more than Rs 30,000 per month, then our government will give that unit an annual subsidy of Rs 60,000," Mr Saini said.
Agniveers will get arms licences on priority, he further added.
Various central government agencies and departments have already announced plans to recruit former Agniveers.