Former Haryana CM Hooda seeks unconditional regularisation of Agniveers, guest teachers; targets BJP over broken promises
Former Haryana Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda on Thursday demanded unconditional regularisation of Agniveers, terming the Centre’s decision to extend their service by just two years an insult to their dignity.
Girish Saini
Nov 5, 2026 06:22
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Rohtak, November 5, 2026: Former Haryana Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda on Thursday demanded unconditional regularisation of Agniveers, terming the Centre’s decision to extend their service by just two years an insult to their dignity.
Speaking to journalists at his residence, Hooda said the Congress had opposed the Agnipath scheme from the outset, arguing that it was neither in the interest of the country nor the Army. He said the government had been forced to introduce changes following widespread criticism of the scheme.
Questioning the need for additional eligibility conditions for Agniveers, Hooda said those who had served in the Army for six years were already equipped to continue as regular soldiers. He demanded that all Army recruits be given permanent employment, full salary, allowances, service benefits and pension, as was the practice before the scheme was introduced.
On the issue of guest teachers, Hooda demanded their immediate regularisation, alleging that the BJP government was going back on its promises. He said the regularisation policy framed by the previous Congress government for contractual employees had been upheld by the High Court and the Supreme Court, with directions also issued for regularising guest teachers under the policy.
Hooda accused the BJP of securing votes in 2014 by promising regularisation to thousands of guest teachers but failing to honour the commitment after coming to power.
He also accused the state government of neglecting sportspersons, alleging that it had dismantled the Congress-era 'Medal Layo, Pad Pao' policy and deprived medal-winning athletes of appointments to senior posts, including DSP.
