Haryana Cabinet Approves Major Welfare and Employment Initiatives
The Haryana cabinet, in a significant move on Wednesday, greenlit two pivotal welfare and employment measures aimed at bolstering opportunities for former Agniveers and women across the state. The decisions, taken during a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini in Chandigarh, focus on enhancing horizontal reservation for ex-Agniveers in specific government roles and reserving a substantial portion of fair price shops for women.
Enhanced Reservation for Former Agniveers
In a bid to better utilize the skills and experience of military personnel, the cabinet approved an amendment to its policy on ex-Agniveers, increasing the existing horizontal reservation from 10% to 20%. This enhanced quota will apply to key state government posts such as forest guard, warder, and mining guard.
The move aligns with a recommendation from the Union Home Ministry, which has urged states to boost the intake of former Agniveers in services where their military training, discipline, physical fitness, and field experience can be effectively leveraged. This policy update is expected to provide a significant employment boost to veterans, recognizing their valuable contributions to national security.
33% Reservation for Women in Fair Price Shops
Simultaneously, the cabinet approved the Haryana Targeted Public Distribution System (Licensing & Control) Amendment Order, 2026, which paves the way for reserving 33% of fair price shops (FPS) for women. This initiative is designed to empower women economically and enhance their participation in the public distribution system.
Under the revised policy, preference will be given to specific categories of women, including acid attack survivors, women's self-help groups, widows, divorced and single mothers, as well as women from Scheduled Castes (SC), Backward Classes (BC), and general categories. This targeted approach aims to address the needs of vulnerable and marginalized groups.
Revised Eligibility Criteria for FPS Licences
The state government has also introduced revised eligibility criteria for obtaining an FPS licence, ensuring a more streamlined and accountable system. Key changes include:
- Applicants must now submit a current-year Haryana resident certificate.
- The minimum threshold for allotment has been raised from 300 ration cards to 500 beneficiaries under ration card/PPP.
- The maximum age for an FPS owner has been fixed at 60 years, extendable by up to five years on request and subject to satisfactory performance.
- In cases where an FPS owner dies before attaining 55 years, the licence can be transferred to a legal heir, providing continuity and support for families.
Additional Cabinet Approvals
In other decisions, the cabinet approved amendments to the Retirement Housing Policy, 2024, to better cater to the housing needs of the elderly. The permissible Floor Area Ratio (FAR) for retirement housing colonies through the TDR Policy, 2021 has been increased from 2.25 to 3.0, allowing for more spacious and accommodating living environments.
Furthermore, the cabinet gave its nod to legal updates by approving amendments to Section 30 of the Punjab Courts Act, as applicable to Haryana. This move removes references to repealed laws and aligns the provision with the Indian Succession Act, 1925, ensuring legal clarity and consistency in judicial proceedings across the state.
These comprehensive measures underscore the Haryana government's commitment to fostering inclusive growth, supporting veterans, empowering women, and enhancing legal and housing frameworks for the benefit of all residents.
