Dehradun: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Friday announced that the state will establish India’s first dedicated Agniveer Cell to ensure the rehabilitation, welfare, and future employment of Agniveers after their military service.
Addressing the ‘Yuva Agniveer Samvad’ programme organised by the Youth Foundation at its training area in Kuwanwala, Dehradun, the Chief Minister said the state government remains fully committed to securing a dignified future for every Agniveer and honouring their service to the nation.
Special Support for Agniveers and Ex-Servicemen
Dhami announced that former servicemen and Agniveers will receive special financial assistance under the Tourism Department’s Homestay Scheme to establish homestays. He also said residents of border villages, including ex-servicemen and Agniveers, will receive grants for developing infrastructure to support self-employment.
To streamline access to government welfare programmes, the state government will establish a dedicated Agniveer Cell that will assist retired Agniveers in availing benefits under various state schemes.
Welfare Measures for Soldiers and Martyrs’ Families
The Chief Minister highlighted several initiatives undertaken by the state government for the welfare of serving soldiers, veterans, and the families of martyrs. He said the ex gratia compensation for the families of martyred soldiers has been increased from ₹10 lakh to ₹50 lakh.
The government has also provided for the appointment of eligible dependents of martyrs in government service, extended the application period for government jobs from two years to five years for eligible family members, and significantly enhanced benefits for recipients of gallantry awards.
Special financial assistance has also been introduced for war widows, disabled soldiers, and the dignified last rites of ex-servicemen.
Employment Benefits for Retired Agniveers
Interacting with Agniveers, Dhami reiterated that their welfare remains a top priority. He said the government is providing free, high-quality coaching for youth preparing for armed forces recruitment.
He further noted that retired Agniveers have been granted 10 per cent horizontal reservation in recruitment to the state police, forest department, disaster management services, and other government departments. The government has also provided age relaxation and recruitment preferences for eligible candidates.
“The objective of the state government is to ensure that every young person who serves in the armed forces receives a dignified future,” the Chief Minister said.
‘Agniveer Is a Symbol of National Service’
Dhami said becoming an Agniveer is not merely a job but an opportunity to serve the nation, adding that the four years spent in military service would remain the greatest asset throughout an Agniveer’s life.
“Our commitment to the honour and bright future of Agniveers is unwavering,” he said, adding that Uttarakhand would become the first state in the country to establish a dedicated Agniveer Cell.
Recruitment Reforms and Youth Employment
The Chief Minister said the state government had introduced a stringent anti-cheating law to ensure transparency in recruitment examinations. The law provides for punishment of up to life imprisonment, and more than 100 members of cheating syndicates have been jailed.
He said these reforms have enabled the state to conduct recruitment fairly, resulting in more than 34,000 youth receiving government jobs over the past five years.
Other Development Initiatives
Dhami also highlighted several achievements of the state government, including the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), abolition of the Uttarakhand Madrasa Board, promotion of agriculture through schemes such as Kiwi, Apple and Timru Missions, improvements in export performance, and growth in tourism.
He said over 24 crore tourists have visited Uttarakhand during the past four years through the Char Dham Yatra, Adi Kailash Yatra, Winter Yatra, and other tourism initiatives, creating employment opportunities for local youth.
The event was attended by MLA Brij Bhushan Gairola, Youth Foundation founder Col. Ajay Kothiyal (Retd.), Maj. Gen. Gulab Singh Rawat (Retd.), Dehradun District Magistrate Dr. Ashish Chauhan, SSP Pramendra Dobhal, and other dignitaries.
