Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 23 Oct: Uttarakhand Department of Sports and Youth Welfare has finalised the Standard Operating Procedure (SOPs) to provide free pre-recruitment training to young men and women aspiring to serve the nation as Agniveers in the Armed Forces, following the instructions issued in this regard by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. The move aims to strengthen the state’s long-standing military tradition by preparing its youth for successful induction under the Agnipath scheme.
It may be noted that CM Dhami had recently instructed the department to initiate structured training programmes to help the state’s youth pursue careers in the Armed Forces. In compliance with these directions, the department has completed all necessary preparations, and the training is expected to commence shortly across all 13 districts of Uttarakhand.
According to the finalised SOP, applicants, both male and female, must be domiciles or permanent residents of Uttarakhand, or be studying or serving in an institution within the state. The candidates will be required to have passed the High School examination with at least 45 per cent marks overall and a minimum of 33 per cent in each subject. The minimum age prescribed for enrolment as Agniveers is 16 years. For the pre-recruitment training, mandatory registration will be necessary which has to be done at the District Sports Office or the Office of the District Youth Welfare Officer. In addition, the candidates will also be required to submit a health certificate issued by a certified medical practitioner.
Trainees will be required to attend various sessions in proper sports attire, including a T-shirt, shorts, sports shoes, and socks. The SOP also stipulates that candidates must not have any tattoos or unnatural permanent marks on their bodies. The training will be imparted exclusively by departmental instructors at designated sports stadiums and grounds across the districts.
Commenting on this initiative, CM Dhami observed that Uttarakhand has a glorious military heritage, with almost every family in the state having a member serving in the Armed Forces. He added that the government’s initiative to provide free pre-recruitment training for Agniveers would enable more young people from the state to serve the nation with pride. The CM further reiterated that the state government has already decided to grant reservation to Agniveers in state government employment upon completion of their service tenure.
