Haryana Cabinet approves expands 20% horizontal reservation for Ex-Agniveers across key uniformed services 

Chandigarh, July 28 – The Haryana Cabinet, which met under the chairmanship of Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, here today approved the 20 per cent horizontal reservation for Ex-Agniveers who are domiciles of the State of Haryana in direct recruitment to the posts of Fire operator-cum-driver in the Fire Services Department, Wildlife Guard in the Environment, Forest and Wildlife Department, Constable in the Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) under the Home Department.

The Government of India seeks to ensure that trained Agniveers have meaningful career opportunities after completing their tenure in the armed forces. This initiative supports the long-term objectives of the Agnipath Scheme by creating a clear pathway to Government employment.

In line with this initiative, the Government of Haryana examined and considered the matter regarding the grant of reservation in direct recruitment to Ex-Agniveers upon their return from military service. Accordingly, the State Government has decided to extend the benefit of horizontal reservation to Ex-Agniveers who are domiciles of Haryana.

The Haryana Government had earlier provided 20 percent horizontal reservation to Ex-Agniveers in certain Group 'C' posts, including Forest Guard (Environment, Forest and Wildlife Department), Warder (Prisons Department) and Mining Guard (Group 'D') (Mines and Geology Department).

The Haryana Government has also already provided 1 percent reservation in Group 'B' posts, 5 percent reservation in Group 'C' posts, 20 percent reservation on the posts of Constable in the Police Department, and 20 percent reservation on the posts of Forest Guard, Jail Warder and Mining Guard for Ex-Agniveers. The reservation on the posts of Forest Guard, Jail Warder and Mining Guard has been enhanced from the earlier 10 percent to 20 percent.

Subsequently, the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, suggested extending the benefit of 20 percent horizontal reservation to Ex-Agniveers in the departments namely State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) under the Home Department, Fire operator-cum-driver under the Fire Services Department, and Wildlife Guard under the Environment, Forest and Wildlife Department. The Cabinet's approval gives effect to these recommendations.

Providing reservation to Ex-Agniveers in recruitment to the Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Fire Services Department and Environment, Forest and Wildlife Department will create Government employment opportunities for them while enabling the State to effectively utilise the skills and training acquired during their military service to strengthen these specialised agencies.

The decisions will not only facilitate the rehabilitation and gainful employment of Ex-Agniveers but will also strengthen the State's security, disaster response, fire and wildlife protection services. They will further support the successful implementation of the Agnipath Scheme and facilitate a smoother career transition for Ex-Agniveers after completion of their military service.