While the Central Government is trying to prevent nationwide protests over implementation of the Agnipath military recruitment scheme, the Odisha Government is yet to decide on providing reservation for Agniveers in State police service.
“No such policy has been framed so far. The State Government is contemplating it,” said Minister of State of Home Tusharkanti Behera on Tuesday.
When asked about giving quota to Agniveers in police service, he said, “Preference is given to NCC certificate holders in the recruitment to the state police force. Therefore, I hope a similar policy will be made for Agniveers benefitting them after their retirement from four-year service under the Agnipath scheme.”
“Nothing has been finalised yet. We will make an appropriate decision for army job aspirants in near future,” Behera told reporters.
Speaking over ongoing anti-Agnipath protests, he said, “The Agnipath scheme is a temporary recruitment process. After retirement from the service, the Agniveers will have the opportunity to continue in the armed forces. But they have to appear in test once again for the permanent cadre. The protests are raging in many parts of the country opposing the process of the scheme. However, I am hopeful that the challenge will be resolved soon.”
Behera praised the scheme stating, “The 17-18 years old men and women are employed for at least four years under the scheme; and after their retirement, they can get jobs in various departments as per their ability.”
In the wake of violent protests opposing Agnipath scheme, the Centre has announced a 10% reservation for Agniveers in the jobs offered by Union Home and Defence Ministries.