New Delhi: The chiefs of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and the Border Security Force (BSF) said on Thursday that 10 per cent of the constable posts in their forces will be reserved for former Agniveers in accordance with the decision of the Union Home Ministry.

CISF Director General Neena Singh and her BSF counterpart Nitin Agarwal have made this statement at a time when a fresh debate has started on the ‘Agnipath Recruitment Scheme’ for short-term recruitment of personnel in the Army, Navy and Air Force. Singh said, “The Union Home Ministry has taken an important decision regarding the recruitment of former Agniveers. Accordingly, CISF is also preparing the process of recruitment of former Agniveers.”

What is the new plan for Agniveers

The CISF chief said that in future 10 per cent jobs will be reserved for former Agniveers in all appointments to the post of constable. They will also be given relaxation in the physical examination. Apart from this, relaxation will also be given in the age limit. The age relaxation will be five years in the first year and three years in the subsequent year. Singh said, “Former Agniveers will be able to take advantage of this and CISF will ensure this. It will also be beneficial for CISF as the force will get trained and disciplined personnel.

Government targeted for Agniveer scheme

The government launched the Agneepath scheme in June 2022. It provided for the recruitment of youth in the age group of 17 to 21 years in the army for four years, out of which there is a provision to retain 25 percent for 15 more years. The government later increased the upper age limit to 23 years. Many opposition parties, including the Congress, are targeting the government over the scheme and raising questions about what will happen to 75 percent of the Agniveers after the four-year term ends, as only 25 percent of the total recruits will remain for 15 years.

What BSF DG said

Various central government agencies and departments have already announced plans to recruit former Agniveers. BSF DG Agarwal said, “They have four years of experience. They are fully disciplined and trained personnel. This is a very good thing for the BSF because we are getting trained jawans. After a short training period, they will be deployed on the border.” He said that all security forces will benefit from the recruitment of former Agniveers.