Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced a series of new benefits for Agniveers—recruits who complete their four-year tenure under the Agnipath scheme—in a press conference on Wednesday, as reported by ANI. These benefits include age relaxation in state public services recruitment, horizontal reservations, and subsidies to industrial units that employ Agniveers.
New Benefits for Agniveers
Chief Minister Saini detailed several measures aimed at supporting Agniveers after their service. Key among these is a three-year relaxation in the maximum age limit for government posts in Group B and C categories. For the first batch of Agniveers, this age relaxation extends to five years. The first group of Agniveers, who joined the armed forces in 2022, is expected to complete their four-year tenure by August 2027.
Additionally, the Haryana government will provide a 5% horizontal reservation for Agniveers in direct recruitment to civil posts in Group C and a 1% horizontal reservation in Group B. Furthermore, a 10% horizontal reservation will be implemented for Agniveers in direct recruitment to positions such as Constable, Mining Guard, Forest Guard, Jail Warden, and Special Police Officer (SPO).
To encourage private sector employment of Agniveers, the state government will offer subsidies to industrial units that hire them. “If an Agniveer is given a salary of more than ₹30,000 per month by any industrial unit, our government will provide a subsidy of ₹60,000 per annum to that industrial unit,” Saini announced.
Understanding the Agnipath Scheme
The Agnipath scheme, announced in June 2022, recruits personnel below the rank of officers into the Indian armed forces for a short period of four years. Upon completion of this tenure, up to 25% of these recruits, known as Agniveers, can be retained for a permanent commission of 15 more years, based on merit and other criteria.
During their service, Agniveers receive a salary along with risk and hardship allowances. At the end of their four-year term, they receive approximately ₹11.71 lakhs (including interest) as a lump sum severance package from the Seva Nidhi fund—a government-contributed fund. In the unfortunate event of an Agniveer’s death while on duty, their family is entitled to a lump sum of one crore (including the Seva Nidhi) and full pay for the remaining service period. In cases of injury, compensation can be as high as ₹44 lakhs, depending on the severity of the injury.
Opposition to the Agnipath Scheme
Despite its benefits, the Agnipath scheme has faced criticism, primarily due to the lack of pension provisions for Agniveers after their four-year tenure. Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has been vocal in his opposition, alleging discrimination in the benefits provided to the families of slain soldiers. In an open letter to President Droupadi Murmu on June 1, he highlighted these concerns.
During the general election campaign, Gandhi frequently criticized the BJP over the Agnipath scheme. Following the formation of the 18th Lok Sabha, some NDA government allies have suggested a review of the scheme. Reports indicate that the armed forces might propose changes, including raising the upper age limit from 21 to 23 and retaining at least 50% of soldiers after the initial four-year period.
Political Context and Future Implications
Haryana is set to face state assembly elections for its 90-member legislative assembly by October 2024. The announcement of enhanced benefits for Agniveers by Chief Minister Saini could be seen as a strategic move to garner support from the military community and their families ahead of these elections. By addressing the immediate and long-term welfare of Agniveers, the state government aims to reinforce its commitment to those who serve in the armed forces.
As the state prepares for the upcoming elections, these new measures could play a significant role in shaping the political landscape and influencing voter sentiment in Haryana.
