J&K, extremism-affected states to raise 17 India Reserve Battalions

New Delhi, Jan 28: The union cabinet on Wednesday approved the raising of 17 India Reserve Battalions (IR Bns) by Jammu and Kashmir and Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected states.

“Five IR battalions will be increased by Jammu and Kashmir, four by Chhattisgarh, three by Jharkhand, three by Odisha and two by Maharashtra,” an official release said.

According to the statement, local youth would be recruited with relaxation in the age and educational qualification criteria.

In Jammu and Kashmir, 60 percent of the recruits for the posts of constables and class IV employees would be from the border districts.

For Left Wing Extremism states, 75 percent of the recruits would be from the 27 core affected districts under the Security Related Expenditure (SRE) scheme.  (IANS)