New Delhi [India], June 3 (ANI): BJP MP Jagdambika Pal on Tuesday praised the Uttar Pradesh government's decision to give 20 per cent reservation to ex-Agniveers in direct recruitment to several posts in the state police force.

Speaking to ANI, Pal termed it as 'a big step' in the direction of what Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said when the Agniveer scheme was implemented.

'When the Agniveer scheme was implemented, even at that time the Prime Minister had said that this is a scheme through which we will prepare people for the Army but after the armed forces, if they want to work in their states, they will be given priority and today the Uttar Pradesh government has taken a big step in that direction. Agniveers will get 20 per cent reservation in UP Police,' Jagdambika Pal said.

This announcement was made by Uttar Pradesh Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna, who said that today it was decided to give 20 per cent horizontal reservation to Ex-Agniveers.

Addressing a press conference after the Cabinet meeting, Khanna stated, '... the Government of India had introduced a very ambitious scheme, Agneepath, under which the age limit for employing Agniveers and to strengthen them in every way was kept between 17.5 to 21.5 years for 4 years, and after that they were sent off after giving incentives... Today, it has been decided to give 20% horizontal reservation to them...This is a big decision in itself. A provision for 3 years relaxation has also been made for them...'

Praising the decision, Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath said that 'Agniveers', determined to serve Mother India, are the invaluable treasure of the nation.

'For their respectable adjustment after 4 years of service @UPGovt has decided to provide 20% horizontal reservation to former Agniveers in the state police recruitment and 3 years relaxation in the age limit,' CM Yogi said on X.

'Uttar Pradesh has become the first state in the country to provide 20% reservation to Agniveers. This reservation will be applicable in the direct recruitment of Police Constable, PAC, Horse Mounted Constable and Fireman. Trained, disciplined and dedicated former Agniveers will now participate in achieving the concept of 'Safe Uttar Pradesh - Prosperous Uttar Pradesh,' the UP CM added. (ANI)