Responsibilities to be assigned to ex-Agniveers yet to be decided: CISF D-G

The statement by the CISF Director-General regarding the pending responsibilities and reservation details for ex-Agniveers highlights a crucial phase in the implementation of the Agnipath scheme. Launched in June 2022, the Agnipath scheme fundamentally changed the recruitment process for soldiers, sailors, and airmen in the Indian Armed Forces. Its primary objectives were to reduce the burgeoning pension bill, create a younger and fitter fighting force, and enhance the technical prowess of the military. Under this scheme, recruits, termed 'Agniveers,' serve for four years, after which 25% are retained for regular service, while the remaining 75% are demobilized with a 'Seva Nidhi' package.

The current situation, as stated by the CISF D-G, indicates that the Union Home Ministry is yet to issue clear instructions regarding the integration of these ex-Agniveers into Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) like the CISF. Specifically, two key aspects are awaiting clarity: the precise reservation percentage to be allocated to ex-Agniveers in the CISF, and the pattern of this reservation—whether it will be horizontal or vertical. This uncertainty underscores the ongoing administrative processes required to operationalize a major policy reform and ensure a smooth transition for these personnel.

Several key stakeholders are involved in this intricate process. The **Ministry of Defence (MoD)** is the architect of the Agnipath scheme, responsible for its overall policy framework and implementation within the armed forces. The **Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA)**, on the other hand, governs the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), including the CISF, CRPF, BSF, ITBP, and SSB. It is the MoHA that will issue the final directives to CAPFs regarding the employment and integration of ex-Agniveers. The **Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)**, as one of the CAPFs, is a direct recipient of these instructions and is tasked with implementing them. Most importantly, the **Agniveers themselves** and the **youth aspiring for careers in defence and paramilitary forces** are the ultimate beneficiaries or those directly impacted by these decisions. Their future career paths and opportunities are contingent upon these policy clarifications.

This issue holds significant importance for India on multiple fronts. Socially, the successful integration of 75% of Agniveers back into civilian life is critical to prevent potential social unrest or disillusionment among a trained and disciplined youth cohort. Providing them with opportunities in CAPFs like CISF addresses concerns about their post-service employability. Economically, the Agnipath scheme aims to reallocate funds from pensions to modernization and capital expenditure, making it vital to ensure the demobilized Agniveers contribute productively to the economy. From a governance perspective, the coordination between the MoD and MoHA demonstrates the complexities of inter-ministerial policy implementation. The clarity on reservation patterns will set a precedent for future integration efforts across various government departments and public sector undertakings, which have also announced provisions for ex-Agniveers.

The constitutional framework for reservation in India is primarily laid out in **Articles 15 and 16** of the Constitution, which ensure equality of opportunity in matters of public employment and allow the state to make special provisions for the advancement of any socially and educationally backward classes or for appointments to any backward class of citizens not adequately represented in the services of the State. The distinction between horizontal and vertical reservation is crucial here. **Vertical reservation** (e.g., for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes) applies separately for each group specified under the Constitution. **Horizontal reservation** (e.g., for women, persons with disabilities, ex-servicemen) cuts across these vertical categories, meaning a certain percentage of seats within each vertical category are reserved horizontally. The decision on whether the reservation for ex-Agniveers will be horizontal or vertical will significantly impact the composition of CAPF recruitment and the overall dynamics of affirmative action.

Historically, the Indian armed forces have been a major employer, offering long-term career prospects and post-retirement benefits, including pensions. The Agnipath scheme, launched in June 2022, marked a paradigm shift from this traditional model, driven by the need to reduce the ballooning pension bill (which often exceeded the defence budget for capital acquisition) and to maintain a younger, more agile force. The current discussions about ex-Agniveer integration into CAPFs are a direct consequence of this policy shift, representing the government's efforts to provide alternative career avenues for those not retained in the armed forces.

Looking ahead, the successful integration of ex-Agniveers into CAPFs and other sectors will be a critical test for the Agnipath scheme's long-term viability and social acceptance. Clear policies on responsibilities, rank equivalence, and reservation will ensure that these trained personnel are effectively utilized, contributing to national security and development. Challenges in integration could lead to calls for policy revisions or increased social pressure. Conversely, a smooth transition could pave the way for similar short-term service models in other government sectors, optimizing human resource deployment and reducing long-term liabilities. The decisions by the Union Home Ministry will thus have far-reaching implications for India's internal security architecture, youth employment, and the future of military reforms.