¨     A 10% horizontal reservation for direct recruitment in government services for former Agniveers after their return from the army has been approved by the Uttarakhand Cabinet.

¨     It was approved in the cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.

¨     The reservation applies to uniformed Group ‘C’ posts under the state government.

¨     Former Agniveers will be exempted from the physical efficiency test in recruitment processes.

¨     They will also receive relaxation in the maximum age limit for applications.

¨     Apart from this, the Cabinet passed amendments to the Uttarakhand Freedom of Religion Act, 2025.

¨     The new provisions aim to impose strict penalties for illegal religious conversions.

¨     The amendments include harsher penalties, a ban on digital promotion of conversions, and stringent measures to protect victims.

¨     The government stated that these steps are meant to protect citizens’ religious rights while ensuring communal harmony.

¨     The bills will be presented during the monsoon session of the State Assembly beginning August 19.