NEW DELHI: In a significant move to bolster the career prospects of young veterans, Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena has approved a transformative policy allowing ex-Agniveers a substantial foothold in the national capital’s primary law enforcement agency. Under a newly sanctioned amendment to the Delhi Police (Appointment & Recruitment) Rules, 1980, former Agniveers will now benefit from a 20 percent reservation for the post of Male Constable (Executive). This legislative shift is designed to integrate the disciplined training of the Armed Forces into civil security, recognizing the four years of rigorous service these individuals contribute to the nation.
The policy change provides more than just a dedicated quota; it significantly lowers the barriers to entry for those transitioning from military life. Candidates under this category will be entirely exempt from the Physical Efficiency Test (PET), a move that acknowledges the high level of physical fitness already demonstrated during their time in the military. Furthermore, a general age relaxation of three years has been granted over the standard upper limit of 25. For the pioneering first batch of the Agniveer scheme, the government has extended even greater flexibility, offering a five-year age relaxation to ensure they are not disadvantaged by the timing of their initial recruitment.
This initiative in Delhi follows a similar strategic rollout in Haryana, where the state government has recently finalized extensive concessions for its own ex-Agniveer domiciles. Haryana Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi issued a directive ensuring that veterans are eligible for age relaxations across Group B and Group C posts. Similar to the Delhi model, Haryana offers a three-year age buffer for general ex-Agniveers and a five-year window for the inaugural batch. The state has also implemented a horizontal reservation system, earmarking 10 percent of posts in departments like Home, Forests, and Prisons specifically for these veterans.
The synchronized efforts by the Delhi and Haryana administrations underscore a broader national strategy to provide long-term career security to Agniveers upon the completion of their service. By easing the path into state and capital police forces, officials hope to leverage the unique skill sets—ranging from technical expertise to advanced combat training—that these young veterans possess. With over 42,000 sanctioned constable posts in Delhi alone, the amendments are expected to open immediate doors for thousands of candidates, ensuring that their transition into civilian law enforcement is both seamless and rewarding.
