Led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the Uttar Pradesh government has decided to give 20% reservation to former Agniveers in state police jobs. This implies that those who complete their four-year service under the Agnipath scheme will have a better chance of getting jobs in the police, fire services, and other related forces. The aim behind this initiative is to help Agniveers find good jobs after their service ends.

Applicable in Police, PAC, Fire Services: Reservation Across all  Categories

In a significant initiative aimed at supporting Agniveers after their service tenure, the Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government has approved a 20% horizontal reservation for ex-Agniveers in the state police force. 

This decision was taken during a cabinet meeting held in Lucknow on June 3, chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Addressing the media, UP Finance Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna explained the rationality behind this decision. He stated, “The Government of India had launched the ambitious Agnipath scheme, under which youth between the ages of 17.5 to 21.5 years are recruited into the armed forces for a period of four years. After completing their service, these Agniveers are provided with various incentives as they transition out.”

The Uttar Pradesh government has decided to provide 20% horizontal reservation in direct recruitment for various roles within the state police force to ensure a meaningful and stable post-service career for these individuals. This includes recruitment in the Pradeshik Armed Constabulary (PAC), Mounted Police, and Fire Services.

Khanna also highlighted that this reservation would be applicable across all categories including General, SC, ST, and OBC ensuring fair opportunities for all ex-Agniveers, regardless of their background. A relaxation of three years in the upper age limit will also be granted to them during the recruitment process in addition.

The first batch of Agniveers is set to retire in 2026, and recruitment under this new policy is expected to commence the same year. 

Khanna also noted that several other states, including Haryana and Odisha, have introduced similar reservation policies for ex-Agniveers.

Khanna spoke about the Uttar Pradesh Homestay and Bed & Breakfast (B&B) Policy, in a separate announcement. Individuals will be allowed to operate homestay services with up to six rooms (12 beds)  under this initiative. 

Chaired by the District Magistrate and including the district police chief or their representative, a district-level committee will be responsible for granting permissions to run these homestay operations.