Uttar Pradesh Approves 20% Police Reservation for Ex-Agniveers

In a landmark decision aimed at supporting the reintegration of military-trained youth into civil services, the Uttar Pradesh Cabinet on June 3, 2025, approved a proposal granting 20% horizontal reservation to former Agniveers in direct recruitment for posts in the Uttar Pradesh Police, including roles such as Constable, PAC, Mounted Constable, and Fireman. This policy ensures meaningful post-service employment opportunities for those who complete their four-year tenure under the Agneepath scheme, reinforcing the government’s commitment to honour their service and harness their disciplined skillset for state security.

Why in News?

The UP Cabinet, chaired by CM Yogi Adityanath, passed the proposal on June 3, 2025. 20% reservation will be given to former Agniveers in police-related recruitments. This reservation is horizontal — applied within all existing categories like General, SC, ST, and OBC. Former Agniveers will also get a 3-year age relaxation. The first batch of Agniveers completes service in 2026, aligning with the start of this policy’s implementation.

Aim and Objective

• Primary Aim: To offer post-service career pathways to Agniveers by integrating them into the police force.
• Secondary Aim: To enhance the discipline, commitment, and efficiency of the police workforce by incorporating military-trained individuals.

Background

Agneepath Scheme

• Launched by the Union Government in 2022.
• Enables youth aged 17.5–21 to serve as Agniveers in the Army, Navy, and Air Force for 4 years.
• After this tenure, 25% may be retained, while the rest are discharged with a Seva Nidhi package.

Previous Promise

• In July 2024, CM Yogi Adityanath assured job reservations for returning Agniveers in UP government jobs.

Key Features of the UP Cabinet Decision

• Reservation Type: Horizontal – applies within existing reservation categories.
• Example: An OBC Agniveer competes within the OBC quota.

Scope of Recruitment

• Police Constable
• Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC)
• Mounted Constable
• Fireman

Age Relaxation

• Eligible former Agniveers get an additional 3-year relaxation in age criteria.
• Implementation Year: 2026 (aligns with first Agniveer batch returning).

Significance

• Socio-Economic Support
• Security Efficiency
• Model for Other States