- Uttarakhand to offer 10% horizontal reservation in jobs to Agniveers.
- Proposal will go to the state cabinet for approval soon.
- Dhami announced new sops for soldiers and martyrs’ families.
- Benefits include ex-gratia hike, job offers, stamp duty relief.
- Kargil Vijay Diwas event saw these announcements in Dehradun.
Uttarakhand Declares Job Reservation Plans for Agniveers
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said on Saturday that the government plans to give 10% horizontal reservation to Agniveers in state jobs. The announcement came during an event in Dehradun to honor former soldiers and families of martyrs on Kargil Vijay Diwas. Agniveers will get this benefit after finishing four years of service under the Agnipath scheme.
State to Table Proposal for Cabinet Nod Soon
The state is drafting a proposal for granting 10% reservation to Agniveers in police, transport, forest, and other government departments. This proposal will be sent for cabinet approval shortly. The step follows the Centre’s Agnipath scheme, which recruits youth between 17-and-a-half and 21 for military service.
Agnipath Scheme Inspires Reservation Moves
Agnipath, launched by the central government in 2022, aims for younger armed forces. The scheme hires Agniveers for four years, with only a quarter retained for longer term. Several states and central bodies are making special provisions to absorb Agniveers into their workforce.
State Increases Financial Aid for Martyrs’ Families
Dhami highlighted recent increases in welfare for soldiers and martyrs’ kin. The ex-gratia for families of martyrs has gone up from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 50 lakh. For Param Vir Chakra recipients, the amount is now Rs 1.5 crore, up from Rs 50 lakh. Lump sum and annual amounts for gallantry awardees saw a rise as well.
New Training and Travel Benefits Unveiled
The government is bringing skill-training to ex-servicemen’s wives and daughters under the Drone Didis project. It is also giving free travel to Badrinath Dham for ex-servicemen, their spouses, and Veer Naris over 60 years. These moves intend to boost support for soldiers’ families.
Progress on Memorial and Job Support for Martyrs
The Military Dham in Dehradun is close to completion. It includes soil from homes of all martyred soldiers and water from 28 rivers in Uttarakhand. Thirty-seven martyrs’ dependents have secured government jobs so far. They can now apply within five years, up from the earlier two-year window.
Other Welfare Steps: Job Relaxation and Stamp Duty Discount
The state has allowed gallantry award winners and serving or retired military staff to travel free in state-run buses. In addition, they get 25% discount on stamp duty for buying permanent property up to Rs 25 lakh in value. These steps aim to improve economic security and dignity for soldiers.
