In a major boost for former military personnel, Sikkim government has announced 20% reservation for Agniveers in Forest Guard recruitment creating new employment opportunities for those completing their service under the Centre’s Agnipath Scheme.
The announcement was made by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, who said it is for the recognition of the dedication, discipline and skills that the Agniveers acquired in the armed forces.
Reservation will give those eligible former Agniveers a better chance of getting a government job in the State Forest Department.
Forest Guards have a critical role to play in safeguarding Sikkim’s rich biodiversity, stopping illegal logging and poaching, protecting wildlife habitats and protecting the natural resources of the state. Agniveers’ physical fitness, leadership ability and field training are what make them able to fulfill these duties, officials said.
The move is part of a larger push to create jobs for Agniveers after completing four-year service in Agnipath Scheme.
Since the scheme came into effect in 2021, several states have announced reservation policies and recruitment benefits for former Agniveers in the police, prisons and forest services.
Sikkim aims to ease the transition of ex-Agniveers into civilian life by creating a quota for Forest Guard recruitment and to build the state’s workforce with skilled and disciplined employees.
Their experience in tough environments will increase the efficiency of the Forest Department in the safeguarding ecologically sensitive areas, in particular in the case of wildlife and habitats.
That was a positive step towards long-term employment for young veterans in the long run, they said. In fact, the state is working with the skills and expertise of the state’s trained defence personnel in public service roles that require a great deal of courage and commitment with physical stamina.
With this announcement Sikkim joins a growing number of states that have provided employment support to Agniveers.
In the next 10 years a good number of former servicemen will be able to be employed and protect the forests and wildlife of the state with a well-trained and motivated workforce.
