Punjab to frame Agniveer reservation policy for state govt jobs
Synopsis
Punjab has become one of the first states to formally initiate a structured reservation framework for Agniveers in state government jobs, with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann constituting a high-powered committee to finalise modalities — a move that could set a precedent for other states grappling with the post-tenure rehabilitation question.
Key Takeaways
Punjab government on 12 May 2025 decided to formulate a reservation policy for Agniveers in state government jobs.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann gave in-principle approval and constituted a high-powered committee to finalise modalities.
Committee members include Vikas Partap , Bhawna Garg , Sumer Singh Gurjar , and S.S.
Targeted departments include Punjab Police , Forest Guards , Fire Fighting Services , Jails , Home Guards , and Punjab Ex-Servicemen Corporation .
Punjab already provides ₹1 crore financial assistance to families of martyrs who die in the line of duty.
The Punjab government on Tuesday, 12 May decided to formulate a reservation policy for rehabilitating Agniveers in state government jobs after completion of their tenure under the Agnipath scheme. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann gave in-principle approval to the move and constituted a high-powered committee to finalise the policy framework in a time-bound manner.
High-Powered Committee Constituted
Chief Minister Mann chaired a high-level meeting in Chandigarh and directed that the policy framework be drawn up comprehensively. The committee comprises civil and police officers — Vikas Partap, Bhawna Garg, Sumer Singh Gurjar, and S.S. Srivastva — who will prepare recommendations and finalise the modalities for reservation and recruitment of Agniveers across various government departments.
Point of View
Namely that it leaves trained soldiers without guaranteed employment after four years. By constituting a formal committee rather than making an ad hoc announcement, the Aam Aadmi Party government is signalling institutional intent. The real test will be whether the committee delivers binding, notified policy or another round of assurances. With several states yet to act on Agniveer rehabilitation, Punjab's framework — if implemented — could emerge as a national template.
NationPress
6 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Punjab Agniveer reservation policy?
It is a proposed reservation framework for Agniveers in Punjab state government jobs, approved in principle by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on 12 May 2025. A high-powered committee has been constituted to finalise the modalities and criteria for reservation and recruitment across various departments.
Which departments will absorb Agniveers in Punjab?
Chief Minister Mann identified Punjab Police, Forest Guards, Fire Fighting Services, Jails, Home Guards, and the Punjab Ex-Servicemen Corporation as departments where Agniveers' skills can be effectively utilised.
Who is on the committee formed to draft the Agniveer reservation policy?
The committee comprises civil and police officers Vikas Partap, Bhawna Garg, Sumer Singh Gurjar, and S.S. Srivastva, who will prepare recommendations and finalise recruitment modalities.
What is the Agnipath scheme and why does rehabilitation matter?
The Agnipath scheme is a Central government initiative that recruits youth into the armed forces for a four-year tenure, after which most are released without a guaranteed government job. Rehabilitation policies like Punjab's are intended to ensure these trained individuals are reintegrated into productive employment.
What other support does Punjab offer to defence personnel?
Punjab already provides financial assistance of ₹1 crore to the families of martyrs from the armed forces, paramilitary forces, police, and Agniveers who lay down their lives in the line of duty.
