Recruitment drive aims to bolster Gorkha Rifles Battalion
In a significant move to leverage the experience of retired military personnel, the 137th Eco-Task Force Battalion (TA) Gorkha Rifles is launching a special recruitment drive. The drive, organized by the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC), seeks to enroll ex-servicemen and ex-employees of the State Forest Department. The initiative, officially termed “TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR ENROLMENT IN 137 COMPOSITE ECOLOGICAL TASK FORCE BATTALION (TERRITORIAL ARMY) 39 GORKHA RIFLES FOR EX-SERVICEMAN AND EX-WOMEN EMPLOYEES,” will be a major boost to the country’s environmental conservation efforts.
Recruitment Details and Eligibility Criteria
The recruitment rally is scheduled to take place on September 23, 2025, at the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium, New Cantt, Prayagraj (UP). Eligible candidates, who must be ex-servicemen (pension holder only) and ex-women employees of the Forest Department, are encouraged to participate. The positions available include a range of roles from officers to tradesmen.
Vacancies at a Glance
A total of 37 vacancies are open across various ranks:
- Junior Commissioned Officer (GD): 01
- Soldier/General Duty: 26
- Soldier/Clerk (SD): 02
- Soldier/Chef Community: 03
- Soldier/Tailor: 01
- Soldier/Despatch Rider: 01
- Soldier/Artisans/Metallurgy: 02
- Soldier/Washerman: 01
The maximum age limit for participants is 57 years. Ex-servicemen who are pension holders and have a minimum of 20 years of service in MoEF&CC/State Forest Department are eligible.
Physical and Medical Standards
Candidates must meet specific physical and medical standards to be considered.
Physical Measurements
- Height: 160 cm (152 cm for Gorkhas, Garhwalis, and Assamese)
- Chest: 50-85 cm
- Weight: Minimum 50 Kgs for male candidates and 42 Kgs for female candidates
Physical Fitness Test
The physical fitness test includes a 1.6-mile run and a 9-foot ditch, among other tests. Additionally, candidates must pass a zig-zag balance test and a proficiency test relevant to their trade.
Important Documents and Selection Process
All candidates must bring a comprehensive set of documents, including educational certificates, character certificates, and a Pension Payment Order (PPO), to the recruitment rally. Documents will be thoroughly checked and verified.
The selection process will be a three-stage process involving:
- Physical Tests: Measurement and fitness tests.
- Medical Examination: Conducted by a military medical board.
- Interview: Conducted by a board of officers from the Ecological Task Force and the State Forest Department.
A key point to note is that all services at the recruitment rally are free of cost, and candidates are warned against paying any bribes. The authorities have explicitly stated that producing fake documents or giving false information will result in legal action.
Terms of Enrolment and Service Benefits
The enrolled individuals will serve for an initial period of two years, which may be extended by one year based on satisfactory performance. The personnel will be paid basic pay and dearness allowance as applicable to a regular army unit. They will also receive other allowances, including field compensation, house rent, and road mileage allowances.
According to the official notice, enrolled personnel will not be eligible for a pension or gratuity. However, ex-servicemen and ex-women employees (including pension holders) already receiving a pension will continue to receive it.1
Reference and Notification Links
Disclaimer
The information provided here is based on official notifications and announcements and it is for general information purposes only. These information should not be construed as official notifications. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, human errors may occur. Readers / Candidates are strongly advised to verify details from the respective official sources. We strongly recommend that you check the full texts of the official notifications and announcements issued by the Government Organisations, Institutions, Companies etc. while applying for jobs and before taking decisions of not to apply for any job vacancy/ies. We cannot be held liable for any inaccuracies.
