MHA Introduces 10% Reservation For Ex-agniveers In CISF Recruitment

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Thursday, July 11, announced an amendment to the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) Security Service (Subordinate Rank) rules, introducing 10 per cent reservation for ex-Agniveers. The decision, aimed at inducting qualified veterans into the CISF, marks a major shift in the recruitment policy of India’s paramilitary forces.

As per the new guidelines, the upper age limit for candidates from the ex-Agniveer community will be relaxed and extended by up to five years for the first batch.

“The upper age limit may be relaxed by up to five years for the candidates of the first batch of ex-Agniveers. Ten per cent of the vacancies will be reserved for ex-Agniveers,” a ministry notification said.

For subsequent batches, the age limit will also be extended by three years. Ex-Agniveers will be exempted from the physical fitness test.

The CISF, which comprises around 170,000 personnel and comes under the Ministry of Home Affairs, plays a crucial role in securing sensitive installations such as airports, seaports, nuclear installations and metro networks.

On June 14, 2022, India launched the Agnipath programme, which aims to revolutionise military recruitment in the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force. This program replaces the traditional methods and focuses on improving operational flexibility, promoting a healthier military profile and training a highly skilled cadre capable of meeting future strategic challenges.

Endorsed by the Cabinet Committee on Security, the Agnipath programme introduces a novel approach to the induction of soldiers, targeting both men and women for a short period of four years.

After a rigorous vetting process, 25 per cent of these recruits will have the option to remain in regular service for another 15 years. These recruits are called Agniveers and are between the ages of 17.5 and 21.

The scheme initially faced resistance, sparking nationwide protests against the short-term recruitment model. The government responded to the concerns and subsequently announced a 10 per cent reservation quota for former Agniveers who have completed their first four-year service.

This reservation extends to posts in the Central Armed Paramilitary Forces (CAPFs) and the Assam Rifles and complements the retention policy that ensures 25 per cent of Agniveers remain in service after screening.

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