In a landmark decision, the Haryana Cabinet has approved a policy designed to provide extensive employment and entrepreneurship opportunities to Agniveers after completing their service in the armed forces. This move is set to transform the lives of thousands of ex-Agniveers, offering them a chance to reintegrate into civilian life with dignity and purpose.
Overview of the Haryana Agniveer Policy, 2024
The Haryana Agniveer Policy, 2024, is a comprehensive initiative aimed at ensuring that Agniveers have access to stable employment and entrepreneurial avenues. Key highlights of the policy include:
- 10% Horizontal Reservation in Government Jobs: Ex-Agniveers will benefit from a 10% horizontal reservation in direct recruitment for positions such as constable, mining guard, forest guard, and prison warder.
- 5% and 1% Horizontal Reservation: A 5% horizontal reservation for Group C posts and a 1% horizontal reservation for Group B posts, aligned with Agniveers’ skill specializations.
Empowering Ex-Agniveers
Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, who chaired the Cabinet meeting, stated that this policy is a significant step towards recognizing the sacrifices of Agniveers and ensuring their smooth transition to civilian life. With the Haryana assembly polls approaching, this policy also brings a fresh spotlight on the Agnipath recruitment scheme, which facilitates short-term induction of personnel in the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Key Benefits for Ex-Agniveers
Age Relaxation:
- For Group C and D posts, the government has announced a three-year relaxation in the upper age limit for Agniveers.
- For the first batch of Agniveers, this age relaxation extends to five years.
Priority for Gun Licenses:
- Ex-Agniveers will receive priority for gun licenses, provided they meet the conditions set out in the Arms Act.
Preference in Deployment:
- Agniveers will be given preference in deployment through the Haryana Kaushal Rozgar Nigam Limited, ensuring they find suitable employment opportunities quickly.
Interest-Free Loans:
- Agniveers can avail themselves of interest-free loans for up to three years for a principal amount of up to ₹5 lakh to start their own businesses. This provision aims to foster entrepreneurship among Agniveers, allowing them to become self-reliant and contribute to the economy.
Real Impact, Real Stories
The impact of the Haryana Agniveer Policy can be best understood through the stories of individuals like Rajesh and Pooja, who have served as Agniveers.
Rajesh’s Story:
After serving in the armed forces, Rajesh struggled to find stable employment due to the lack of relevant qualifications. With the new policy, Rajesh can now benefit from the horizontal reservation in government jobs and the age relaxation, increasing his chances of securing a stable job in his home state.
Pooja’s Story:
Pooja, another ex-Agniveer, always dreamed of starting her own business. However, financial constraints held her back. Thanks to the interest-free loan provision, Pooja can now start her own venture, providing employment opportunities to others in her community.
Additional Cabinet Decisions
The Haryana Cabinet made several other significant decisions during the meeting:
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Exclusion Criteria for Backward Classes: The Cabinet approved the criteria for excluding persons within the Backward Classes from the creamy layer in Haryana. The annual income limit for the creamy layer has been increased from ₹6 lakh to ₹8 lakh, aligning with Central government norms.
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Reservations for Backward Classes Block B: Based on the Haryana Backward Classes Commission’s recommendations, reservations for Backward Classes Block B will be implemented in municipalities and Panchayati Raj Institutions. This decision aims to uplift and adequately represent Backward Classes Block B in the grassroots democratic setup.
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Haryana Sikh Gurdwaras Amendment Ordinance, 2024: The Cabinet approved the draft ordinance to amend the Haryana Sikh Gurdwaras Act, 2014. The amendment specifies that the chairperson of the Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Judicial Commission should be a high court judge. If not available, a district judge or one of the three selected commission members will serve as the chairperson.
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Job Opportunities for Martyrs’ Dependents: The Cabinet approved providing jobs to 14 dependents of martyrs, ensuring that the families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation are well-supported.
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Simplifying Marriage Registration: Amendments to the Haryana Compulsory Registration of Marriages Rules, 2008, were approved to simplify the marriage registration process. Additional deputy commissioners-cum district citizen resources information officers will now serve as district registrars, and the process will be handled online for better efficiency.
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Amendment to the Haryana Dholidar, Butimar, Bhondedar and Muqararidar Rules, 2011: This amendment aims to streamline the existing rules, making them more relevant to current requirements.
Conclusion
The Haryana Agniveer Policy, 2024 marks a significant milestone in recognising and rewarding the service of Agniveers. By offering them employment and entrepreneurial opportunities, the policy ensures that they can reintegrate into civilian life with dignity and pride. These initiatives, combined with other progressive decisions by the Haryana Cabinet, reflect the state’s commitment to fostering inclusive growth and providing equal opportunities to all its residents.
