Haryana first state to offer security cover to Agniveers: Minister

Haryana Sainik and Ardh Sainik Welfare Minister Rao Narbir Singh has said that Haryana has become the first state to offer a security cover for Agniveers. Under the Central government’s Agneepath scheme, which was launched on July 15, 2022, Agniveers have been recruited in the armed forces. The scheme also stipulates that 25% of Agniveers will be regularised after their service.

Advertisement

The first batch of Agniveers is expected to complete their service in July 2026, while Haryana’s Cabinet has already taken a progressive step by implementing the Haryana Agniveer Policy 2024, ensuring robust security and welfare measures for Agniveers.

The minister revealed that during 2022-23, a total of 1,830 Agniveers were recruited into the Army, Navy, and Air Force, followed by around 2,215 Agniveers in 2023-24.

He further shared that as part of the state's commitment, a series of initiatives will be rolled out. These include a 10% horizontal reservation for Agniveers in the recruitment of police personnel, mining guards, jail wardens, and Special Police Officers. Additionally, 5% reservation will be provided for direct recruitment in Group C posts, and 1% in Group A posts.

To support the Agniveers in their transition, the state will also provide a five-year relaxation in the age limit for the first batch of Agniveers, along with exemption from the Common Eligibility Test. For those interested in self-employment or entrepreneurship, Agniveers will be eligible for loans of up to Rs 5 lakh. They will also receive priority in employment through the Haryana Skill Employment Corporation.

To further incentivise industries, the government will offer an annual subsidy of Rs 60,000 to those industries that hire Agniveers on a monthly salary of Rs 30,000 or more. In addition, Agniveers seeking careers in private security will be given priority in obtaining gun licences.