Yogi government approves 20% reservation in police recruitment for Agniveers

Lucknow, June 4, 2025: Taking a big decision, the Yogi Adityanath government of Uttar Pradesh has approved 20% reservation in the recruitment of State Police and Provincial Armed Constabulary, Mounted Police and Firemen for former Agniveers. This decision was taken in the cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on June 3, 2025. Along with this, Agniveers will also be given a relaxation of three years in the age limit.

Under the Agneepath scheme, which was launched by the central government in 2022, youth aged 17.5 to 21.5 years are recruited in the Army, Navy and Air Force for four years. Agniveers trained under this scheme are now being given a chance to join the police force by the Uttar Pradesh government. State Finance Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna said that this reservation will apply to all categories—general, Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Other Backward Classes (OBC). The first recruitment is expected to begin in 2026, when the first batch of Agniveers will complete their four years of service.

Several experts and social media users have expressed support for the decision. One popular news update platform described it as “breaking news.” Many believe that the military training of Agniveers will enhance the overall quality of the police force, noting that a significant number of police personnel currently lack even basic weapon-handling skills. One user remarked that this initiative could address gaps in police training, adding that the discipline and skills acquired through army training will significantly bolster the capabilities of the police.

However, opposition parties have raised concerns over this decision. Congress and Samajwadi Party called it an extension of the "Agneepath Yojana" and said that it is playing with the future of the youth. At the same time, supporters say that this decision will give respectable employment to Agniveers after their service and strengthen the security system of the state.

Before this move of Uttar Pradesh, states like Haryana, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh have also announced reservation for Agniveers in police and other government jobs. Haryana has offered 10% reservation and age relaxation, while Uttar Pradesh's 20% reservation is the biggest move so far.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had earlier said that in 2022, his government would give priority to Agniveers in police and allied forces. To implement this decision, the state government has planned to take all necessary steps. This step will not only increase employment opportunities for Agniveers but will also help in further strengthening the law and order of Uttar Pradesh.