The Maharashtra government has taken a significant step to address the future of young soldiers recruited under the Agnipath scheme. It has constituted a high-level committee tasked with formulating a concrete plan to absorb Agniveers into government departments and the private sector after they complete their four-year tenure in the armed forces.
Committee Mandate and Key Details
According to a resolution issued by the state's General Administration Department, the seven-member panel, comprising retired military officers, has been given three months to study and recommend measures. The committee's mandate is two-fold: to devise ways for integrating ex-Agniveers into government and semi-government offices, and to suggest training and financial assistance programs for self-employment.
An official highlighted the urgency, noting that 2,839 Agniveers from Maharashtra are scheduled to complete their service in October-November of this year. While 25% of each batch will be retained as regular soldiers, the future of the remaining 75% is a key concern. The panel aims to ensure their skills are effectively utilized for civilian roles.
Who Are the Committee Members?
The committee is headed by Colonel (retd) Deepak Thonge, who serves as the director of the Sainik Welfare Department. The other distinguished members include:
- Squadron Leader (retd) Vidyasagar Korde, District Sainik Welfare Officer.
- Major (retd) Saeeda Firasat, District Sainik Welfare Officer, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
- Lt Gen (retd) R R Nimbhorkar.
- Air Marshal (retd) Nitin Shankar Vaidya.
- Rear Admiral (retd) Ashish Kulkarni.
- Lt Commander Omkar Kaple (retd), Deputy Director, Sainik Welfare Department, Pune.
Potential Impact and State Initiatives
The official explained that absorbing ex-Agniveers into services like the police, forest department, fire brigade, and State Reserve Police Force could provide the government with high-quality, trained personnel. Simultaneously, fostering self-employment opportunities would aid in their financial stability post-service.
This move by Maharashtra follows similar initiatives by other states. In November last year, the Haryana government announced an age relaxation for domiciled ex-Agniveers in direct recruitment. The first batch receives a five-year relaxation, while subsequent batches get three years. Several states have introduced reservations and age relaxations in government recruitment to allay employment concerns for these youth, who are discharged at a relatively young age (between 22-25 years, having been recruited at 17.5-21).
The formation of this committee marks a proactive approach by the Maharashtra government to ensure a smooth and dignified transition for Agniveers into the civilian workforce, leveraging their discipline and training for the state's benefit.
