KOLKATA: In a major policy decision aimed at integrating former military recruits into state administration, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced a 20 per cent reservation for Agniveers across four key government departments. The preferential quota will apply to recruitments in the West Bengal Police, Fire Services, Forest Department, and Civil Defence.

Speaking at a Central government function in Garden Reach, the Chief Minister emphasized that the rigorous military instruction and disciplined regimen undergone by Agniveers would prove invaluable in tackling law and order challenges, managing emergencies, and leading disaster mitigation efforts across the state.

"We have allocated a 20 percent quota for 'Agniveers' in the state police, fire services, forest department, and civil defense," Chief Minister Adhikari stated.

With this step, West Bengal joins a growing roster of states—including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Haryana, Chhattisgarh, and Delhi—that have structured job reservation quotas for personnel completing their term under the Centre’s Agnipath recruitment scheme.

Launch of 'Arjun Bahini' Disaster Response Force

Alongside the quota policy, the Chief Minister unveiled plans to establish a specialized 200-member quick-response force named the 'Arjun Bahini', scheduled for operational launch this September. Conceived in the aftermath of the warehouse collapse in Kolkata's Taratala area, the elite unit will be deployed to streamline crisis intervention and search-and-rescue drives.

While Agniveers are envisioned to form the core of the 'Arjun Bahini' in the long run, the state has inducted 200 ex-servicemen through the Sainik Board as an immediate arrangement until the first batch of Agniveers completes their military tenure early next year.

The deployment strategy for the initial batch targets strategically vulnerable regions:

  • Kolkata: 100 personnel to address complex urban emergencies.

  • Darjeeling: 50 personnel focused on high-altitude emergency situations and landslides.

  • Sagar Island: 50 personnel posted along the coastal belt for cyclone response.

    Expansion of NCC Training in Schools and Colleges

    In another key initiative, the state government is moving to reintroduce and scale up National Cadet Corps (NCC) training across schools and higher education institutes throughout West Bengal. Previously restricted to select institutions, the expanded program aims to cultivate civic discipline and patriotic values among youth. Official sources noted that holding NCC certification will also serve as an additional credential for candidates seeking entry into state police and emergency service cadres, while creating a foundation for those aspiring to join the Indian Armed Forces and paramilitary services.