Agniveers can now rejoice as Indian Railways has offered reservation, age relaxation, and physical test exemption in non-gazetted posts.
The railways is providing a 10% horizontal reservation and a 5% quota in non-gazetted posts for Agniveers, with physical test exemption, similar to the PwBD, ex-servicemen, and CCAAs quotas. In addition, Agniveers are eligible for an age relaxation of 5 years for the first batch and 3 years for subsequent batches in level-1, level-2, and above non-gazetted posts, over and above the existing age limits for different communities.
The Railway Board has issued letters to general managers, requesting them to provide relaxation and facilities to Agniveers who have completed four years in the armed forces during recruitment by railway recruitment boards and cells. This includes the age relaxation and physical test exemption previously announced. This move aims to increase opportunities for Agniveers in the workforce.
Several central ministries, state governments, and industry bodies have already offered job reservations to Agniveers to increase their employment prospects. Indian Railways has also introduced a plan to support Agniveers who have completed four years of service, allowing them to apply with documentary proof for recruitment through railway recruiting agencies for open market staff recruitment in two pay grades.
Indian Railways’ level-1 examination is conducted to select assistants for various branches, such as hospital assistants and track maintainers grade IV. Junior clerk-cum-typist, accounts clerk-cum-typist, and junior time-keeper are among the posts covered under level-2.
The government launched the Agnipath scheme last year, allowing citizens aged 17 and a half to 21 years to apply for a four-year service in the military. After completion of the service, 25% of the recruits will be eligible to apply as regular personnel. The scheme aims to increase recruitment into the armed forces.