Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 20 Jul: Addressing a press conference today, Col Ajay Kothiyal (Retd) today asserted that Uttarakhand government is taking a major step towards securing the future of Agniveers returning after completing their service in the armed forces. He announced that Uttarakhand will become the first in the country to provide one hundred per cent employment to Agniveers. For this purpose, a dedicated Agniveer Employment Cell will soon be established and a comprehensive employment policy implemented. The responsibility of preparing the outline of this cell has been entrusted to Colonel Ajay Kothiyal (Retd), Chairman of Uttarakhand State Ex-Servicemen Welfare Advisory Council and Founder of Youth Foundation.
Kothiyal who has also been designated as the convener of the cell, informed the media persons of Dehradun that a detailed roadmap is being prepared under the directions of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. He said the government’s aim is to utilise the discipline, the experience and the skills of Agniveers to provide them with dignified employment opportunities. With this objective in mind, a comprehensive action plan is being formulated in collaboration with the corporate sector. He also stated that the proposed ‘Agniveer Employment Cell’ would operate under the direct supervision of the Chief Minister’s Office. This will facilitate better coordination with various departments and industries, enabling the speedy resolution of matters related to the employment of Agniveers. He expressed the view that this system would prove to be an effective model for the rehabilitation of ex-servicemen and Agniveers in the state.
Kothiyal added that the employment cell will coordinate with government departments, state undertakings, private companies and the corporate sector in order to ensure jobs to all the Agniveers. Skill mapping of Agniveers will also be undertaken to connect them with jobs suited to their qualifications and experience. Special skill development and upskilling programmes will also be introduced to align them with industry requirements.
Kothiyal claimed that the government is assessing vacancies across departments and will soon issue orders in this regard. He added that the employment opportunities will be created in hotels, tourism, security, disaster management, manufacturing, logistics, health, IT and other sectors. The state government will also establish coordination with various agencies to expedite the employment process.
He emphasised that the initiative is intended to free returning Agniveers from the worry of unemployment and make them active partners in the state’s development.
