Chandigarh, April 8 (NationPress) In a significant move to aid in the rehabilitation and employment of ex-Agniveers, the Haryana Cabinet convened on Wednesday to approve a policy that escalates the current horizontal reservation from 10 percent to 20 percent for these individuals in government positions. This initiative aims to effectively utilize their skills in uniformed and security services.

Ex-Agniveers will find employment opportunities as Forest Guards in the Environment, Forest, and Wildlife Department, Warders in the Prison Department, and Mining Guards in the Department of Mines and Geology.

Previously, the state government had offered a 10 percent horizontal reservation for ex-Agniveers, who are Haryana residents, in specific Group 'C' roles, including Forest Guards, Warders, and Mining Guards.

Furthermore, the Union Home Ministry suggested an increase in the reservation for ex-Agniveers from 10 percent to 20 percent in various service categories, leveraging their specialized military training, physical conditioning, discipline, and field experience.

Chaired by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, the Haryana Cabinet also sanctioned an amendment to the policy governing the Planned Development of Retirement Housing under the Haryana Development and Regulation of Urban Areas Act, 1975. This amendment aims to better address the housing and lifestyle needs of the ageing population.

Additionally, the Cabinet approved amendments to enhance the efficiency of the Public Distribution System (PDS). The Cabinet endorsed the Haryana Targeted Public Distribution System (Licensing and Control) Amendment Order, 2026, which modifies the existing 2022 order. The changes are designed to boost transparency, efficiency, and accountability in the management and distribution of Fair Price Shops throughout the state.

The amendments also promote inclusivity and encourage broader participation, particularly by empowering women within the system. The eligibility criteria for obtaining a fair price shop licence have been clearly defined, with a Haryana Resident Certificate from the current year now required for applicants.

The minimum requirement for the number of beneficiaries for a fair price shop licence has been raised to 500 ration cards from 300. Applicants must possess at least a 10+2 educational qualification and basic computer skills, with an age limit set between 21 and 45 years. It is mandatory for applicants to have a valid Parivar Pehchan Patra (PPP) and to reside in the respective area.

In a landmark decision for women empowerment, the state Cabinet has established a 33 percent reservation for women in fair price shop licences, to be implemented on a roster basis for every third licence. Within this quota, priority will be afforded to victims of acid attacks, women's Self-Help Groups (with at least one per block), widows, divorced or single mothers, and women from Scheduled Caste, Backward Class, and general categories.

The Cabinet also ratified amendments to the Haryana Village Common Lands (Regulation) Rules of 1964 and policies regarding passage through Shamlat Deh lands for private projects. These updated regulations will be referred to as the Haryana Village Common Lands (Regulation) Amendment Rules of 2026.