LG Sandhu directs Delhi departments to implement 20% quota for former Agniveers by June 30

Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, on Thursday directed all concerned departments to complete the process of implementing a 20% reservation for former Agniveers in Group ‘C’ posts by the end of June. The directive includes making necessary amendments to the respective Recruitment Rules.

The instruction was issued during a review meeting chaired by the Lieutenant Governor, which was attended by the Chief Secretary, Police Commissioner, and other senior officials. The meeting focused on the implementation of the reservation policy in key departments including Delhi Police, Fire Services, Prisons, and Forest and Wildlife.

The move aligns with the central government's policy to provide rehabilitation and employment opportunities to former Agniveers, who are personnel who have completed their service under the Agnipath scheme. The Agnipath scheme, introduced by the central government in 2022, allows short-term recruitment of soldiers into the armed forces, with a provision for a certain percentage to be absorbed into permanent service based on merit.

According to an official statement, the Lieutenant Governor had earlier proposed recruitment of former Agniveers to the Delhi Fire Services during a meeting held on June 8. The current directive aims to expedite the process across all departments.

The reservation for former Agniveers in Group C posts is part of broader efforts by the central and state governments to integrate these personnel into civilian roles after their military service. The deadline of June 30 has been set for departments to finalise procedures and amend recruitment rules accordingly.

The decision has been met with mixed reactions. While some see it as a positive step towards supporting veterans, others have raised questions about the impact on regular recruitment processes. The implementation will be closely monitored to ensure compliance with constitutional and legal frameworks.