New Opportunities for Agniveers in Indian Railways and Beyond
A New Hope for Agniveers
New Delhi: A fresh opportunity has emerged for Agniveers who have completed their four-year service under the Agnipath scheme. The first batch is set to be released this year, with only 25% being offered permanent positions, leaving the rest to seek new paths. In response, the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Railways have established a robust collaborative framework aimed at providing Agniveers and veterans with promising job prospects within the railway sector. The railway has already prioritized the welfare of ex-servicemen and is now extending special reservations to Agniveers, presenting them with a golden opportunity to contribute their discipline and skills to nation-building.
Details of Reservations
The railway has clarified that for Level-1 (previously Group D) positions, ex-servicemen will receive 20% reservation, while Agniveers will be allotted 10%. For positions at Level-2 and above, the reservation is set at 10% for ex-servicemen and 5% for Agniveers. This horizontal reservation will be applicable during the recruitment process. In the 2024-25 period, a total of 14,788 positions were reserved for ex-servicemen, including 6,485 at Level-1 and 8,303 at Level-2 and above. This new arrangement will provide Agniveers with enhanced opportunities.
Contract Recruitment for Pointsman Positions
To expedite the filling of current vacancies and benefit ex-servicemen, the railway has decided to recruit over 5,000 Pointsman positions on a contractual basis. These are Level-1 roles. So far, nine railway divisions have signed MOUs with military organizations. The railway has requested the army to enhance coordination with the divisions to facilitate quicker recruitment. This initiative will serve as a bridge until regular recruitment processes are underway.
Joint Commitment of Army and Railways
Both the army and the railway have expressed that there is a shared ethos of discipline, leadership, and technical skills within their organizations. Ex-servicemen retire at a relatively young age and possess operational experience, management capabilities, and national enthusiasm. This framework focuses on raising awareness, simplifying the recruitment process, and establishing support mechanisms. Both organizations are committed to providing Agniveers with meaningful second career opportunities.
Reservations in Other Sectors
In addition to the railway, the central government has also provided reservations for ex-Agniveers in the CAPF and Delhi Police. In the recruitment of Delhi Police constables, there will be a 20% reservation, along with exemptions in physical efficiency tests and a three-year age relaxation. This initiative marks a significant step towards securing the future of Agniveers. The government is working to expand opportunities at every level, ensuring they continue to contribute to national service.