Odisha, UP announce reserved quota for Agniveers in uniformed services

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday announced that the state government will provide 10% reservation in its uniform services for Agniveerers from the state who have not been inducted into the armed forces. Majhi termed the Agniveer scheme ‘historic’ in a press release issued by the CM’s office.

Addressing the media at Lokseva Bhawan before leaving for Delhi to attend the NITI Aayog Governing Council meeting, CM Majhi expressed pride in the country’s soldiers. He emphasised that Agniveers, trained by the armed forces, are well qualified to serve the nation in various security-related roles.

Majhi stressed that the Agniveer initiative, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is empowering youngsters to face the challenges of life. Consequently, the Odisha government has decided to recruit Agniveerers for state uniform services, providing them with 10% reservation and five years of age relaxation.

Similarly, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced provisions for Agniveers in the recruitment process of UP Police and Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) forces. Adityanath lauded the scheme’s potential to capitalise on disciplined and trained youth.

Before attending the NITI Aayog meeting in New Delhi, Yogi Adityanath criticized the opposition’s attempts to hamper the progress of the Agniveer initiative. He highlighted India’s rise to the fifth largest economy under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi and stressed on the continued modernization and self-reliance of the Indian military.

(With input from agencies.)