The Ludhiana-based JRS Eastman Group has taken a considerable step to support Agniveers, the retired personnel of the Agnipath scheme, by announcing a dedicated employment initiative. Chairman Jagdish Rai Singal, while addressing the media in Chandigarh, described this move as a national duty and emphasized the invaluable qualities that Agniveers bring to the civilian workforce.
The company has agreed to allocate 5% of all its future recruitment for Agniveers and plans to induct at least 250 retired personnel in its ranks by 2029. JRS Eastman Group currently employs 5,145 people and aims to generate 10,000 jobs in the next five years. Agniveers are going to be the backbone in this journey toward achieving the goal.
While explaining the logic behind this program, Singal appreciated the Army training that Agniveers receive, which ensures that they are disciplined, punctual, and imbued with a strong sense of ethics. “Agniveers are a goldmine for any business. Their training in the Indian Army ensures they understand the value of time, operate with integrity, and bring unparalleled dedication to their work. These are qualities that any organization would value immensely,” he said.
Singal further added, “It is not just about providing jobs; it is about recognizing their immense potential and giving them a platform to continue serving the nation, albeit in a different capacity. Their training prepares them to adapt, excel, and lead—traits that align perfectly with our vision of operational excellence.”
The Agnipath scheme, launched on June 14, 2022, recruits young men and women for a tenure of four years in the armed forces. While 25% of these recruits continue to remain in the armed forces after completion of their service, the other 75% join civilian life. Singal emphasized the need for meaningful employment opportunities for this section of people.
“The PM’s appeal to stand in support of Agniveers motivated us to come ahead. Industries like ours have to stand with the government and find solutions to all sorts of challenges. It becomes a national responsibility that these very persons are not left behind, having contributed to the nation with so much dedication,” Singal stated.
This is also part of a bigger vision to empower Agniveers, the chairman added, while also building a more disciplined and values-driven workforce. “By inducting Agniveers into our operations, we are strengthening our organization and at the same time contributing to the nation’s larger goal of supporting those who have served it.”
Singal urged other industrialists and business leaders to join hands in supporting Agniveers. “This is about more than just business—it is about fulfilling our responsibilities as citizens. The government alone cannot address every challenge; industries and individuals must step up to play their part.”
He underlined that this move is also in line with the long-term goals of the company. From just three employees, JRS Eastman Group has now become a vibrant enterprise with over 5,000 employees and various manufacturing and export businesses. If it recruits employees in a disciplined and value-driven manner, Singal is of the opinion that the group will be able to achieve the goal of 10,000 employees by 2029.
The hiring initiative for Agniveers aligns well with the other initiatives JRS Eastman Group has been taking up, such as environmental projects like the Miyawaki forest initiative. According to Singal, growth at the company was always driven by a sense of social responsibility.
“This is not only about employment; it is about creating a better future for the country. Agniveers have already made so much of a contribution during their service. Now, it is our turn to provide them with opportunities to continue making a difference,” Singal said.
In a concluding statement, Singal reiterated the unique strengths of Agniveers by describing them as an asset for any organization. “The discipline, punctuality, and values instilled by the Indian Army are second to none. We are confident that Agniveers will not only thrive in our organization but will also drive it toward greater success,” he said.
This is setting a precedence that JRS Eastman Group will be setting an example for others to follow by demonstrating that supporting Agniveers is not a decision taken by the corporation alone, but it is patriotic to do so. In this manner, the group hopes to establish a legacy of empowerment and responsibility beyond industrial undertakings.