Delhi Proposes 20% SDRF Reservation For Former Agniveers
The Delhi government is considering a proposal to provide a 20 percent reservation for former Agniveers in the recruitment for the proposed State Disaster Response Force (SDRF). The proposal is currently under discussion as the new local force is being established in Delhi to enhance disaster preparedness and support post-service employment.
Officials stated that the proposal is being examined ahead of next year, when the first batch of Agniveers is expected to complete its four-year tenure under the Agnipath scheme. This timeline will make trained personnel available for recruitment into the new disaster response unit.
To assist with the setup, the Delhi government has sought technical inputs from the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). These agencies have been asked for suggestions regarding the structure, functioning, and staffing of the proposed SDRF.
Deliberations on the proposal gained momentum following directions issued last month by Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu. The Lieutenant Governor directed all concerned departments to complete procedures for implementing a 20 percent reservation for former Agniveers in direct recruitment to vacant Group "C" posts.
This broader reservation directive covers several operational posts in Delhi. These include police constables in the Delhi Police, firefighters in the Delhi Fire Service, jail warders in the prison department, and forest and wildlife guards in the Department of Environment, Forest and Wildlife.
The proposed SDRF is designed to strengthen Delhi's emergency response capabilities. The dedicated unit will respond to natural and man-made disasters, including floods, building collapses, fires, and earthquakes.
Officials noted that the initiative aims to benefit departments by hiring personnel already trained in discipline, physical fitness, and emergency response. No final decision has been made yet, and the proposal will be placed before the cabinet once the SDRF framework is finalised.
