CHANDIGARH, May 15 — To bolster the professional future of military veterans, the Punjab government has given in-principle approval to grant reservation in government departments to Agniveers. Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has directed a specialized committee of senior officers to expedite the creation of this policy framework.
The administration intends to leverage the discipline and technical expertise of these former service members across multiple government wings. During a high-level meeting, the Chief Minister stated that their skill sets are particularly suited for demanding roles in the state’s security and environmental sectors.
“It is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that besides being the food bowl of the country, Punjab is also known as the sword arm of the nation,” the Chief Minister maintained. He affirmed that the bravery and resilience of Punjabi youth are globally recognized and should be utilized for the state’s internal progress.
The Chief Minister stated that the committee will determine how Agniveers can be effectively inducted into the Punjab Police, Forest Guards, and the Punjab Ex-Servicemen Corporation (PESCO). He asserted that a time-bound approach is necessary to ensure that returning youth can transition smoothly into civilian careers.
“The criteria regarding reservation and selection of Agniveers should be finalized at the earliest so that the services of these highly skilled and disciplined youth can be utilized in the best possible manner,” Mann declared. He further affirmed that the initiative aligns with the state’s ongoing commitment to supporting defense personnel and their families through various welfare schemes and financial assistance.
