New Delhi: The chiefs of CISF, BSF, SSB and CRPF declared on Thursday that 10% of soldier positions in their forces will be earmarked for former Agniveers, in line with a Home Ministry directive.
CISF Director General Nina Singh, BSF Director General Nitin Agrawal, and CRPF Director General Anish Dayal Singh emphasized this policy amidst heightened focus on the Agnipath recruitment scheme, intended for short-term enlistment into the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
“The Union Home Ministry has taken an important decision regarding the recruitment of ex-Agniveers. Accordingly, the CISF is also preparing the process of the recruitment of ex-Agniveer,” Singh remarked.
She mentioned that 10% of vacancies in upcoming constable recruitments will be set aside for ex-Agniveers.
“Ex-Agniveers will also receive exemptions in physical tests and age relaxation. In the first year, the age relaxation is five years, followed by three years in subsequent years,” Singh informed.
She added, “Ex-Agniveers can benefit from this, and it’s advantageous for the CISF as well, as we will gain trained and disciplined staff.”
The Agnipath scheme, initiated in June 2022, seeks to reduce the average age of the armed services by recruiting individuals aged 17.5 to 21 for a four-year term, with an option to retain 25% for another 15 years. The scheme has faced criticism from opposition parties, who question the prospects of the 75% of Agniveers not kept on.
Several central government entities have already expressed intentions to hire former Agniveers.
“With four years of experience, they are well-disciplined and trained. This benefits the BSF, as we receive seasoned soldiers ready for deployment after brief training,” BSF Director General Agrawal stated.
CRPF Director General Singh announced, “Recruitment rules have been revised. Ex-Agniveers will receive a 10% reservation and age relaxation. The initial batch will receive a five-year age relaxation, followed by three years for subsequent batches.” He further mentioned that ex-Agniveers would be exempt from the physical efficiency test.
Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) Director General Daljit Singh Chaudhary stated that a specific quota for ex-Agniveers has been established in his force. “The recruitment rules have been updated to reflect this. A five-year age relaxation will be granted to the first batch, and they will not be subjected to a physical efficiency test,” he explained.
An official from the defence ministry clarified that former Agniveers seeking recruitment into the paramilitary forces would not need to undergo a physical test, as they have already completed such tests in the Army. They will only be required to present a physical fitness certificate.
