New Delhi, July 6: In a significant move aimed at strengthening post-service employment opportunities for Agniveers, the Central Government is reportedly examining a proposal to substantially increase the reservation quota for former Agniveers in recruitment to the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). If approved, the revised policy could provide a major boost to thousands of young personnel completing their four-year tenure under the Agnipath scheme.

According to reports, the proposal under consideration seeks to raise the existing reservation for ex-Agniveers from 10 percent to as high as 50 percent in select CAPFs. The initiative is intended to ensure that trained and disciplined personnel continue serving the nation in various security roles after completing their military service.

Officials familiar with the development have indicated that the proposal is being reviewed by the Ministry of Home Affairs in consultation with the concerned security forces. The first batch of Agniveers is expected to complete its tenure later this year, making the policy review particularly significant for their future employment prospects.

Among the forces considering the revised quota is the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), which has reportedly recommended increasing the reservation for former Agniveers to 50 percent. Similar recommendations have also emerged from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), reflecting a broader effort to absorb trained military personnel into India's internal security framework.

Apart from enhanced reservation, the proposal also includes several recruitment relaxations for ex-Agniveers. These may include exemptions from certain physical efficiency and written examinations, along with age relaxation, acknowledging the extensive military training and operational experience acquired during their service. Such measures are expected to make the recruitment process smoother while recognizing the capabilities developed during their tenure in the armed forces.

The Centre has already introduced similar benefits in some recruitment processes. Earlier, the reservation for former Agniveers in Border Security Force (BSF) constable recruitment was increased from 10 percent to 50 percent. Eligible candidates were also granted age relaxation and exemptions from physical efficiency tests. The latest proposal is expected to extend comparable benefits across other CAPFs if it receives final approval.

Introduced in 2022, the Agnipath scheme was designed to recruit young men and women into the Army, Navy and Air Force for a fixed four-year period. Under the existing framework, up to 25 percent of Agniveers are retained for regular military service based on merit and organisational requirements, while the remaining personnel transition to civilian careers.

The government has consistently maintained that former Agniveers would receive priority in recruitment across several government departments and security organisations. The proposed expansion of reservation in CAPFs is seen as a continuation of that commitment, offering greater career stability to trained youth after their military service.

While the proposal is yet to receive formal approval, it has generated considerable interest among aspiring Agniveers and defence experts. If implemented, the revised quota is expected to improve employment opportunities, strengthen the country's security forces with experienced personnel, and reinforce confidence in the Agnipath recruitment model. An official notification from the government is awaited.

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