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21 Dec 2025·Source: The Hindu
2 min
Polity & GovernancePolity & GovernanceSocial IssuesNEWS

Ex-Agniveer Quota in CAPF Won't Impact Existing Reservation Structure

Government assures ex-Agniveer quota in CAPF won't disturb existing reservation categories.

Ex-Agniveer Quota in CAPF Won't Impact Existing Reservation Structure

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The Union government has clarified that the proposed 10% reservation for ex-Agniveers in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) will not affect the existing reservation matrix for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC). This assurance aims to allay fears that the new quota would dilute opportunities for other reserved categories.

The move is part of the government's efforts to provide post-service employment opportunities for Agniveers, who serve for four years under the Agnipath scheme. This policy decision is significant as it addresses concerns about the future of Agniveers and the broader implications for India's reservation policy.

मुख्य तथ्य

1.

10% reservation for ex-Agniveers in CAPF

2.

Government assures it won't affect existing SC/ST/OBC quotas

3.

Agniveers serve for four years under Agnipath scheme

UPSC परीक्षा के दृष्टिकोण

1.

Constitutional provisions related to reservation (Articles 15, 16, 335)

2.

Distinction between vertical and horizontal reservations

3.

Structure, mandate, and components of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF)

4.

Salient features and implications of the Agnipath scheme

5.

Government's policy on youth employment and skill development post-military service

दृश्य सामग्री

और जानकारी

पृष्ठभूमि

The Agnipath scheme, launched in June 2022, is a new recruitment policy for the Indian Armed Forces, under which soldiers (Agniveers) are recruited for a four-year tenure. This marked a significant shift from the traditional long-term service model. The scheme aims to create a more youthful and tech-savvy armed force while reducing the burgeoning pension bill. However, concerns were raised regarding the post-service employment prospects for Agniveers after their four-year term.

नवीनतम घटनाक्रम

To address post-service concerns, the Union government has announced a 10% reservation for ex-Agniveers in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and Assam Rifles. Crucially, the government has clarified that this new quota will be implemented without affecting the existing reservation structure for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC). This assurance aims to prevent any dilution of opportunities for these traditionally reserved categories and integrate Agniveers into civilian life, particularly in security-related roles.

बहुविकल्पीय प्रश्न (MCQ)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Agnipath scheme and related reservations: 1. The Agnipath scheme recruits soldiers for a four-year tenure, with an option for 25% to be absorbed into regular cadre. 2. The 10% reservation for ex-Agniveers in Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) is a horizontal reservation. 3. Article 335 of the Constitution mandates that claims of SCs and STs to services and posts shall be taken into consideration consistently with the maintenance of efficiency of administration. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

उत्तर देखें

सही उत्तर: D

Statement 1 is correct. The Agnipath scheme recruits Agniveers for four years, and up to 25% can be enrolled in the regular cadre. Statement 2 is correct. Reservations for specific categories like ex-servicemen, women, or persons with disabilities, which cut across existing vertical reservations (SC, ST, OBC), are typically considered horizontal reservations. The news implies this by stating it won't affect existing SC/ST/OBC quotas. Statement 3 is correct. Article 335 of the Indian Constitution deals with the claims of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes to services and posts, emphasizing efficiency of administration.

2. Which of the following statements is NOT correct regarding the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) in India?

उत्तर देखें

सही उत्तर: C

Statement C is NOT correct. CAPF personnel are NOT considered part of the Indian Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force) which operate under the Ministry of Defence. CAPF, despite their paramilitary nature, function under the administrative control of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and are distinct from the regular armed forces. Statements A, B, and D are correct descriptions of CAPF.

3. In the context of India's reservation policy, consider the following statements: 1. The 'creamy layer' concept, applicable to OBC reservations, aims to exclude socially advanced persons from the benefits of reservation. 2. The Supreme Court's ruling in the Indra Sawhney case (1992) upheld the constitutional validity of reservations in promotions for SCs and STs. 3. Economic Weaker Sections (EWS) reservation, introduced by the 103rd Constitutional Amendment Act, is a form of vertical reservation. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

उत्तर देखें

सही उत्तर: B

Statement 1 is correct. The 'creamy layer' concept, established by the Supreme Court, applies to OBC reservations to ensure that the benefits reach the most backward among them, excluding those who are already socially and economically advanced. Statement 2 is incorrect. The Indra Sawhney case (1992) explicitly ruled against reservations in promotions. Subsequent constitutional amendments and Supreme Court judgments (like M. Nagaraj and Jarnail Singh) have addressed this issue, allowing for reservations in promotions under certain conditions. Statement 3 is correct. EWS reservation, based on economic criteria, is a vertical reservation, similar to SC, ST, and OBC reservations, as it provides a separate quota within the overall reservation matrix.

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