The Uttar Pradesh government has decided to give 20 per cent reservation to former Agniveers in the state’s reserve police force, the Provincial Armed Constabulary, reserve horsemen and firemen.
This will be applicable to the first batch of Agniveers who will be eased out of service in 2026, after completing four years in the armed forces.
The Agniveer scheme has been an election issue in the state too with the opposition, especially the Samajwadi Party raising the issue of their joblessness after four years. As per the original provisions of the scheme, some Agniveers are to be given the opportunity for applying for permanent positions after completion of their service.
The UP plan will absorb 25 per cent of these Agniveers in the armed forces. An age relaxation of three years will be offered to those who can apply for the posts listed by the state government.
In another important decision taken today, to strengthen the public distribution system, Annapurna bhawans shall be constructed as models in fair price shops.
The name comes from the Hindu goddess of food and nourishment.
These bhawans will be constructed under MGNREGA. To bring this construction up to speed, savings from the government treasury will be used. In addition, MP/MLA funds, Purvanchal development funds, and available unspent funds from any other state and central schemes will also be used for the construction.
Where none of the above funds are available, money from the food and civil supplies department will be used. In the first phase 75 to 100 such bhawans will be constructed and provisions will also be made for their maintenance.
The government has also given the go ahead to a policy for bed and breakfast, and homestays. This will give these facilities various subsidies and benefits.
As of now these are operated as per the Indian government’s norms.
There are some 2,000 such entities operational in the state as of now.
