Proposal Sent to Himachal Government for Ex-Gratia and Job Reservation for Agniveers
Hamirpur: The Directorate of Soldier Welfare Board has sent a proposal to the Himachal Pradesh government to provide ex-gratia payments to the families of Agniveers who sacrifice their lives and to grant job reservations to Agniveers upon retirement. If approved, the families of fallen Agniveers will receive financial assistance, and retired Agniveers will get reservation in government jobs within the state departments.
Currently, soldiers who die during military operations receive Rs. 30 lakh, and Rs. 7.5 lakh in cases of accidental or illness-related death as ex-gratia, but these benefits are not extended to Agniveers. About 7,000 Agniveers are serving in Himachal Pradesh, with nearly 2,500 expected to retire in 2026 after completing four years of service.
Brigadier Madan Sheel Sharma, Director of the Soldier Welfare Board Directorate, stated that this proposal has been resubmitted to improve the future prospects of Agniveers. Punjab government has already announced job reservations for Agniveers in government jobs, raising hopes for similar measures in Himachal Pradesh.
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