VISAKHAPATNAM: A recruitment rally has been proposed in the agency area of the district, with a view to making the girijan youth aware of the employment opportunities in the Indian Army.

The proposal to hold the rally at Paderu has been mooted by the District Collector, Praveen Prakash, who is keen on according priority to provide gainful employment to girijans. It was made during the recently concluded Army recruitment rally in the city to Deputy Director-General Jai Kumar of the Recruitment Zone (South).

The district administration has assured all organisational and administrative support to hold the rally at Paderu, which would help girijans have a better chance in military recruitment.

The Army authorities are reported to have pointed out the lack of proper response to the recent rally held at Khammam. Though 25,000 had turned up at Visakhapatnam, after the running test only 2,500 qualified.

The administration is also aware that girijans are unlikely to get through in a big number in the first rally. It is felt that a rally close to their habitation will create awareness about the avenues available and by the time the next is held, more participation and success can be ensured. Since there will be no reservation based on caste, the girijan candidates have to qualify in the physical and written tests. Hence whether the vacancies available can be filled will also be of importance to the recruiting authorities. The district administration is planning to mobilise girijan youth for the recruitment, if the rally is sanctioned.

Girijan battalion

Providing employment is one of the measures to keep impressionable girijan youth away from the extremist influence. The Police Department is also toying with the idea of forming a girijan battalion, precisely with this objective in mind. During the recent Collectors' conference in Hyderabad, the Chief Minister, Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, wanted officials to train the youth in interior areas for recruitment into the Army.

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