Agniveer recruits celebrate during the passing out parade of their batch
Pune: Personnel from the first and second Agniveer batches have urged the Maharashtra govt to protect the 10% parallel reservation announced for them in police recruitment and other uniformed Group C govt services, following the Centre’s decision to extend their engagement period by two years. In a representation addressed to the chief minister and other elected representatives, the Agniveers, concerned over the uncertainty surrounding their employment prospects, have sought an assurance that the reservation announced by the state cabinet on Sept 30, 2026, would remain applicable to the first two batches, particularly those who had already submitted their unwillingness to continue serving in the Armed Forces before the Centre’s Nov 4 decision.
The Agniveers said several young personnel had decided to leave military service after completing their four-year tenure, relying on the Maharashtra govt’s announcement of a 10% quota. The Centre’s Nov 4 decision to extend the engagement period of Agniveers by another two years has raised questions among these personnel about the applicability and continuity of the state govt’s earlier reservation policy.
The govt, they said, could frame a separate policy for subsequent batches without disturbing the expectations and interests of the first two batches. Now, the uncertainty over the quota has left us worried about our future,” said an Agniveer who submitted the representation. We have served the country for four years and now want to secure our future and support our families through govt employment,” an Agniveer said. The personnel said their four years in the Armed Forces had been dedicated to serving the country and that they now wanted an opportunity to build a stable civilian career in Maharashtra.
Some had submitted their unwillingness nearly six months ago and had started planning their return to the state to join the police force and other govt services. “We made a crucial decision about our future by trusting the Maharashtra govt’s reservation announcement. We had planned to return home after completing four years of service and prepare for govt recruitment. They fear that any change in the existing arrangement could leave those who have already opted out in a difficult position, as reversing their decision to leave military service may no longer be possible. “If the govt announces a policy and young people plan their lives based on that assurance, who will take responsibility if the same opportunity is withdrawn later?