Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has announced that the state government will give priority to the recruitment of 'Agniveers', who serve the nation under the new Agnipath scheme, in Uttarakhand Police and related services.

Dhami said in a post on Twitter that the state government will ensure the overall wellbeing and progress of the youth in Uttarakhand and is committed to provide them employment opportunities.

The Narendra Modi-led government has unveiled the Agnipath scheme for recruiting soldiers across the three services. 'Agni' is fire and 'veer' means brave. It is a defence recruitment reform cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Security.

The Agnipath scheme is looking at the recruitment of soldiers. They will be called Agniveers. Youth between the age of 17.5-21 will be recruited into the Indian armed forces annually under the Agnipath scheme for a duration of four years (including training period). Salary of Rs 30,000-40,000 per month and allowances applicable will be provided.

The recruitment under the scheme will be done on the positions below the officer ranks — non-commissioned ranks, reports say.

After serving for four years, the Agniveers will get an exit option. They will get support from the Centre in finding jobs after retirement with a heavy package. After four years of service, around 25 per cent recruits will get the option to re-enlist. The selection for the longer commission will depend on merit, medical fitness and willingness of the recruits.

Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh Jai Ram Thakur has reportedly hailed the Centre's decision of clearing the ‘Agnipath’ scheme. He reportedly said that ‘Agnipath’ is a visionary scheme. He added that Himachal Pradesh is known as ‘Veer Bhoomi’ and many sons of the soil were giving their services in the armed forces.