Chandigarh, May 12
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday granted in principle approval for the formulation of a reservation policy to provide state government job opportunities to Agniveers after they complete their tenure under the Agnipath scheme. The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by the Chief Minister in Chandigarh and is intended to support the rehabilitation and reintegration of trained youth returning from military service.
The state government has also constituted a high level committee comprising senior civil and police officers to prepare the detailed framework of the proposed policy. The committee includes senior officials Vikas Partap, Bhawna Garg, Sumer Singh Gurjar and SS Srivastva. It has been tasked with finalising the structure and implementation modalities of the reservation system within a defined timeframe.
According to an official statement, Chief Minister Mann said the policy framework should be developed in a comprehensive and time bound manner so that Agniveers returning after serving the nation can be effectively absorbed into meaningful roles within the state administration. He emphasised the need to utilise their skills for the social and economic development of Punjab.
The Chief Minister said the criteria for reservation and selection should be finalised at the earliest to ensure the services of disciplined, trained youth are put to productive use. He added that Agniveers could be deployed across several departments, including police, jails, fire services, forest guard units and home guard services.
Mann also highlighted Punjab’s longstanding contribution to national service and its role in protecting the unity and integrity of the country. He noted that the state is widely recognised for its courage and resilience as well as its identity as both the food bowl of India and the sword arm of the nation.
The government further pointed out that it already provides financial assistance of one crore rupees to the families of martyrs from the armed forces, paramilitary forces, police and Agniveers. Mann said this reflects the state’s commitment to the welfare of personnel serving in uniform and their families.
The Chief Minister expressed hope that the initiative would help secure the future of Agniveers after their service, strengthen support systems for their families, and enable the state to benefit from their training and discipline in public service roles.
