In a significant move aimed at enhancing social security and administrative efficiency, the Haryana Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, convened to deliberate on a series of critical legislative and policy matters. The meeting resulted in the formal approval of six out of seven key agenda items presented before the council.
Following the session, Chief Minister Saini addressed a press conference to detail the transformative decisions made by the government, highlighting a clear focus on supporting the youth and streamlining state governance.
Empowering Youth: Significant Amendments to the Agniveer Policy 2024
The most notable outcome of the cabinet meeting was the approval to amend the Agniveer Policy 2024. This amendment is designed to provide substantial post-service benefits and security to those who serve the nation under the Agnipath scheme.
Key highlights of the amended policy include:
- Horizontal Reservation in Recruitment: The state government has moved to secure the future of Agniveers by providing horizontal reservation in various government job sectors.
- Specific Quotas for Services:
- A 10% horizontal reservation will be implemented for Agniveers in recruitments for the posts of Constable, Mining Guard, Forest Guard, Jail Warder, and Special Power Police Officers (SPO).
- In Group C category posts, a 5% horizontal reservation has been approved.
- For Group D category posts, the government has mandated a 1% horizontal reservation.
- Age Relaxation Benefits: Recognizing the time spent in military service, the cabinet has approved an upper age limit relaxation of 3 years for Agniveers applying for Group C and Group D posts. Furthermore, for the first batch of Agniveers, this relaxation will be extended to 5 years.
- Employment Incentives for Private Sector: To encourage private participation in absorbing Agniveer talent, the government will provide an annual subsidy of ₹30,000 to industrial units that employ Agniveers at a salary exceeding ₹30,000 per month.
Strengthening Governance and Infrastructure
Beyond the Agniveer policy, the cabinet addressed several administrative and infrastructure-related proposals to ensure smoother state operations and social welfare.
1. Civil Aviation Department Reorganization
The cabinet approved the creation of new posts within the Civil Aviation Department, reflecting the state’s growing commitment to improving aerial connectivity and regional infrastructure. This expansion is expected to bolster the management of state-owned airstrips and aviation projects.
2. Revision of the ‘Mukhya Mantri Shehri Awas Yojana’
In a push for urban housing, amendments were made to the Mukhya Mantri Shehri Awas Yojana. The revision aims to make the scheme more accessible to the urban poor, ensuring that housing projects move forward with greater speed and inclusivity.
3. Administrative Cadre Adjustments
The Haryana Government has also authorized the creation of a Specialized Cadre for certain administrative roles to ensure that technical expertise is better utilized within the government machinery.
A Vision for a Proactive Haryana
Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini emphasized that these decisions are a testament to the government’s “pro-people” stance. By prioritizing the reintegration of Agniveers into the workforce and refining welfare schemes, the Haryana government aims to build a robust framework for long-term economic and social stability.
The rejection or deferment of the single agenda item suggests a meticulous review process, ensuring that only fully vetted and beneficial policies are enacted for the citizens of Haryana. As these policies move toward implementation, the state sets a precedent for how regional governments can complement national-level defense and employment schemes.
