The Uttarakhand Cabinet has approved 10 per cent horizontal reservation for direct recruitment in government services to former Agniveers after their return from the army.

The Cabinet gave its approval in a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.

The reservation pertains to uniformed posts of Group ‘C’ in services under the state government. Former Agniveers will be exempted from the physical efficiency test in the direct recruitment. Apart from this, they will also be given relaxation in the maximum age limit.

The Uttarakhand Cabinet, also approved the Uttarakhand Freedom of Religion (Amendment) Bill, 2025, introducing stringent provisions to curb illegal religious conversions.

The amendments include harsh penalties, a ban on digital promotion of conversions and robust measures for the protection of victims.

The state government also stated that the law aims to safeguard citizens’ religious rights while preventing conversions through fraud, inducement, or coercion, ensuring communal harmony is preserved.

During the upcoming monsoon session beginning on August 19, the government will introduce the Bills in the State Assembly.