The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) has proposed increasing reservation for former Agniveers in Central Force recruitment from 10% to 50% while exempting them from written examinations and physical aptitude tests, according to a draft circular from the SSB.
The move comes at a time when the first batch of around 2,600 soldiers, which was inducted into the Navy in November 2022, is likely to retire later this year and become eligible to join the various Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs).
The SSB proposal mirrors similar draft rules prepared by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). HT reported on April 14 that CISF has also proposed 50% reservation for ex-Agniveers along with exemptions from written and physical tests.
The CISF guards key infrastructure facilities across the country, while the SSB secures the India-Nepal and India-Bhutan borders. Both forces are also deployed for internal security duties, including elections and Amrnath Yatra
For the post of Constable (General Duty), the draft recruitment rule of SSB states: “Ex-Agniveers shall be exempted from written test, Physical Standards Test (PST) and Physical Efficiency Test (PET).”
While the method of determining merit among ex-servicemen remains unclear, the draft rules state: “In the first phase, recruitment will be conducted by the nodal force for 50% of the vacancies reserved for ex-servicemen or as per the instructions issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs from time to time. In the second phase, recruitment will be conducted through open screening in accordance with the existing provisions for the remaining 50% of the vacancies along with the vacancies in the first phase or first phase or as per the instructions issued by the Ministry of Health from time to time.”
It is certain that the new rules have not been notified. The Sharia Supervisory Board will submit the final recruitment rules to the Ministry of Interior before approval and notification. The revised recruitment rules have been circulated for stakeholder feedback.
