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Efforts to get coastal youth join Indian Army through recruitment rallies

MANGALURU: Army Recruitment Office (ARO), Mangaluru and Dakshina Kannada district administration have joined hands to increase the number of young aspirants, who join the Indian Army, from the district.

Even as number of aspirants from Dakshina Kannada, who join Indian Army, is very meager compared to Northern parts of Karnataka, campaign through colleges is being carried out to attract youths. As per the statistics, only 134 candidates had applied for army recruitment rally from Dakshina Kannada district in 2015 and the number dipped to 34 in 2016.

Col Prashant Petkar, director, ARO, Mangaluru, said 80% of candidates who appear for army recruitment rally in Karnataka are from Vijayapura, Bagalkot, Gadag and Dharwad. Very few people show interest in joining the army from Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttar Kannada districts, Col Petkar said and urged the youth from coastal districts to join the army.

"Youths in coastal districts are not aware of better pay pack, facilities and other benefits available in the Indian Army. A soldier earns approximately Rs 25,000 per month, in addition to free clothing, rations, accommodation, medical facilities, free railway warrant to his home every year and canteen facilities. Soldiers are also entitled to avail 90 days of leave every year. Young generation should utilize the golden opportunity by taking part in recruitment rally and join the army," Petkar said.

An army recruitment rally will be held at the Sainik School in Vijayapura from May 12 to 18 to select candidates for five categories - soldier general duty (SSLC), soldier technical (10+2/ PUC), soldier nursing assistant (10+2/ PUC), soldier clerk/ store keeper technical (10+2/ PUC) and soldier tradesmen (SSLC).

Candidates from Bagalkot, Vijayapura, Dharwad, Uttar Kannada, Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Davangere, Gadag, Haveri, Chikkamagalur and Shivamogga are eligible to attend the rally to be at Vijayapura. Interested male unmarried candidates may register online at www.joinindianarmy.nic between March 12 and April 25, to take party in the rally. There is no fee for registration, physical fitness tests, medical examination and written examination, he said, adding that the written examination will be held for candidates in this region at the ARO in Kulur.