PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
The State government has decided to set up a special Agniveer Rozgar Cell (ARC) to provide employment opportunities to Agniveers after they complete their four-year tenure in the armed forces. The initiative follows chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami’s announcement to establish a dedicated mechanism to facilitate employment for returning Agniveers with the State aiming to become the first in the country to ensure employment opportunities for them.
Addressing the media on Monday, Uttarakhand State Ex-Servicemen Welfare Advisory Council vice-chairman colonel (retd) Ajay Kothiyal said that the process of setting up the ARC had already begun and a government order for its formation would be issued soon. He said that the special cell was being created to ensure that Agniveers returning after completing their service are connected with suitable employment opportunities.
Kothiyal said that around 1,200 Agniveers will complete their four-year tenure in the Indian Army. The Rozgar cell is being established to ensure that such Agniveers are provided suitable employment opportunities immediately after completing their service.
He said that employment opportunities would be provided according to each Agniveer’s skills, military experience and individual interests. The ARC will provide employment opportunities in different sectors and facilitate jobs in the Central government, State government and the corporate sector. It will also organise capsule skill-development courses to equip Agniveers according to market requirements.
The government is working on tie-ups with various government departments and private sector organisations to create employment opportunities for returning Agniveers. The special cell will provide jobs in different sectors based on the skills and expertise of Agniveers and will also directly connect them with new employment and self-employment opportunities.
Kothiyal said that the State Government had already provided 10 per cent horizontal reservation for Agniveers in government jobs. More than 50 disciplines, including disaster management, tourism, hospitality, security, logistics, manufacturing, infrastructure, agriculture and sports have been identified where returning Agniveers can be employed. A separate plan is also being prepared to facilitate employment in the corporate sector.
He added that the ARC would function under the direct supervision of the chief minister’s office to ensure quick implementation of employment-related initiatives. Under the Agnipath Scheme, up to 25 per cent of Agniveers are retained in the regular armed forces after four years, while the remaining personnel receive preference in recruitment to the CRPF, BSF, ITBP, CISF and the State Police. Through the ARC, the State Government aims to connect the remaining Agniveers with suitable employment and self-employment opportunities.
