New Delhi, October 28, 2025 — The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has written to all states and union territories, asking them to encourage private security agencies and training institutes to hire ex-Agniveers—former short-term recruits of the armed forces—citing their discipline, skills, and experience. The directive marks the first formal move by the Centre to integrate ex-Agniveers into the private sector, expanding employment opportunities beyond government and public sector roles.

The letter, issued on September 11 by the MHA’s Police-II Division under the Private Security Agencies Regulation Act (PSARA), follows a high-level meeting that recommended a structured approach to facilitate the recruitment of Agniveers into private security agencies contracted by government departments, banks, and other public entities.

“Considering the huge recruitment in the security agencies, top 10 security provider agencies may be sensitised to absorb Agniveers,” the letter stated. It also cited Section 10(3) of PSARA, which allows private security agencies to give preference to individuals who have served in the Army, Navy, Air Force, police, or armed constabularies. The ministry instructed state-level controlling authorities to “sensitise” leading security firms and encourage all entities employing such services under government contracts to prioritise the hiring of ex-Agniveers.

A Shift Toward Private Sector Integration

This is the first time the MHA has explicitly directed states to involve the private sector in providing employment opportunities to ex-Agniveers. Until now, most policy initiatives had focused on government or public sector placements. The ministry noted that given the vast size of India’s private security industry—employing nearly one crore guards across 35,000 agencies—the sector could serve as a major employment avenue for the thousands of Agniveers completing their four-year service tenures.

The letter follows the government’s June decision to make the Home Ministry the nodal body for coordinating the post-service career progression of Agniveers. The ministry has already reserved 10% of vacancies in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) for Agniveers, with several defence public sector undertakings (DPSUs) making similar amendments to their recruitment rules. States like Haryana and Rajasthan have also introduced reservations for Agniveers in their respective police forces.

The Agnipath Scheme: Background and Objectives

The Agnipath scheme, launched in June 2022, was a major reform in India’s military recruitment process. It was designed to keep the armed forces “young and battle-ready” by enrolling personnel below the officer rank for a four-year term. Only 25% of each batch is retained for an additional 15 years of regular service, while the remaining 75%—the Agniveers—are released after completing their initial contract.

Applicants between 17.5 and 21 years of age are eligible to join under the scheme. During their four-year tenure, Agniveers receive annual salaries that start at ₹4.76 lakh in the first year and rise to ₹6.92 lakh by the fourth year. They are entitled to a non-contributory life insurance cover of ₹48 lakh and an additional ex-gratia of ₹44 lakh in case of death attributable to service.

Upon completion of their service, Agniveers receive an 11.71 lakh Seva Nidhi package, which includes their own contributions and matching funds from the government. However, unlike regular soldiers, they do not receive a lifelong pension, healthcare, or canteen benefits—one of the most debated aspects of the scheme.

The first batch of Agniveers is set to complete its tenure in 2026, making the current year a crucial phase in planning for their reintegration into civilian life.

Industry Welcomes the Initiative

The private security industry has responded positively to the government’s proposal. Kunwar Vikram Singh, chairman of the Central Association of Private Security Industry (CAPSI), said the association had already submitted a proposal offering a one-month pre-induction training program for ex-Agniveers.

“They already have military training, but they need orientation in private security operations,” Singh said. “We will provide them with the required training and employ them as assistant security officers or supervisors. This will allow them to earn better salaries and continue in a disciplined, structured work environment.”

Singh emphasized that the private security sector, one of the largest employers in India, can provide benefits that closely resemble those in government service. “We offer ESI, provident fund, pension, gratuity, insurance, leave, and career progression. In many ways, it’s almost like a government job,” he explained. After a year of experience, ex-Agniveers could undergo additional courses to become security officers or managers, creating a clear career growth pathway within the industry.

He also confirmed that discussions with the government were ongoing but that implementation had not yet begun. “The government is seriously considering the proposal, but the process has not started formally,” Singh added.

Opposition Raises Concerns

The Opposition, however, has expressed strong reservations about the government’s plan. Critics argue that integrating large numbers of trained ex-soldiers into private security roles could lead to the emergence of “private armies” and blur the line between state and private enforcement authority.

Congress spokesperson Rohit Chaudhary described the move as “deeply troubling,” suggesting that it could undermine both national morale and the institutional integrity of the armed forces. “When these Agniveers come back, they will be handed over to private armies. Does the country accept this? Does the army accept this? Do these Agniveers themselves accept this?” Chaudhary asked, adding that the plan raises “serious questions about the government’s long-term vision for defence personnel.”

He also noted that the policy would have a significant impact on states like Bihar, which contributes nearly 11% of the country’s armed forces personnel. According to Chaudhary, Bihar currently has around 125,000 serving soldiers and nearly 400,000 ex-servicemen. “These youth join the army with dreams of serving the nation, not to end up as guards in private companies,” he said.

Balancing Rehabilitation and Reform

The government has maintained that the Agnipath scheme is designed to modernize the armed forces and provide young people with valuable military and leadership experience before they transition to civilian life. Officials argue that ex-Agniveers, having served in disciplined and high-stress environments, are well-suited for employment in areas requiring vigilance, integrity, and physical fitness—such as private security, logistics, and disaster response.

At the same time, policymakers face the challenge of ensuring that ex-Agniveers find meaningful and dignified employment opportunities after their service. The large number of Agniveers set to complete their tenure in the coming years has raised concerns about potential unemployment and social unrest if adequate post-service pathways are not in place.

The MHA’s latest directive seeks to address this issue proactively by mobilizing the vast private security sector, which continues to grow rapidly due to the increasing demand for security in residential complexes, corporate establishments, banks, and public infrastructure projects.

The Road Ahead

As the MHA’s plan moves forward, its success will depend on cooperation between the central government, state authorities, and the private sector. Implementation will require clear regulatory frameworks to ensure transparency in recruitment and to prevent the misuse of ex-military personnel in unauthorized or politically motivated activities.

For now, the Centre’s call to states represents a significant shift in how India envisions the post-service integration of its short-term military recruits. While the policy promises new opportunities for thousands of young veterans, it also raises important questions about the broader implications of privatizing aspects of national security.

As the first batch of Agniveers nears completion of its service in 2026, the debate over their future—between government assurances and opposition apprehensions—appears set to become a defining feature of India’s evolving defence and employment landscape.