Assam Grants 12% Quota to Former Agniveers in Govt Recruitment

Guwahati, October 27: The Assam government has sanctioned a 12 per cent reservation for eligible former Agniveers in the recruitment to selected government positions across several departments. According to officials, the annual recruitment process under this initiative will commence in 2027.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma revealed the decision through a post on the social media platform X. He termed the move a step towards honouring the service of former Agniveers and creating more employment avenues for them in the state.

The Home (A) Department has issued a notification confirming that the decision was taken after a recent Assam Cabinet meeting. The reservation will apply to direct recruitment to certain fixed posts, and the government will carry out recruitment drives each year to appoint eligible candidates.

The benefit is meant for former Agniveers who are permanent residents of Assam and were recruited into the Indian Army, Navy or Air Force under the Agnipath Scheme.

Applicants must have completed the four-year service period and must hold the official Agniveer Certificate issued upon their release from service.

The reservation will be applicable to distinct posts in departments including Assam Police, Forest Department, Fire and Emergency Services, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Jail Department, Home Guards and Excise Department.

The decision is expected to offer former Agniveers more opportunities to pursue careers in state government services after finishing their stint in the armed forces.

The Agnipath Scheme, launched by the Centre in 2022, involves recruiting personnel to the armed forces for four years. Some members of every batch may be retained for regular service, whereas others return to civilian life after completing their term and choose different careers.

Through this new initiative, the Assam government aims to put to use the training, discipline and practical experience that former Agniveers acquire during their military service in various government roles.

The notification outlines a broad structure for the reservation. The specific posts included, the timing of recruitment and the application process will be determined as per applicable rules and guidelines to be issued later.

The state government's initiative is another significant step towards providing organised employment opportunities to eligible former military personnel in Assam's government services.