'No grants': Army selection training schools in coastal districts stare at closure

Mangaluru: The army selection training schools opened in the coastal district, to encourage youth to join the Indian armed forces, are staring at a bleak future. Without the release of funds by the government, these centers might be closed soon.

Without the grants, these academies are facing innumerable difficulties. The staff here have not received their pay for four months. There is no money available even to begin a new training batch. It is gathered that despite efforts by the Secretary of the Backward Classes Welfare Department, funds are yet to be approved by the state finance department.

Very few youth from the coast joining the armed forces has been a cause for concern. In hopes of increasing enrolment and selection to the Indian defense forces, training centers were established by the Karnataka government to train youth from backward classes to get the necessary training.

Training academies were established in the 3 coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Uttara Kannada, with special grants from the Backward Classes Department. The training school in DK, named after Rani Abbakka, was allocated Rs 28 lakhs whereas the academy in Udupi named after Koti Chennaya received Rs 53 lakhs. The academy in Uttara Kannada was named after Henja Naik.

The initiative received a good response, with many youths signing up for the rigorous training. The first batch received training from November 2022 to February 2023, and the second batch from March to June this year. Retired army officers have been employed as trainers.

So far, 217 youths have undergone training at the academies in Udupi and DK. Of these, 73 have been recruited into the Indian armed forces and paramilitary forces including the Agniveer scheme, BSF, CISF, and CRPF. More are awaiting the results of recruitment rallies.

Staff remain unpaid for 4 months

Moreover, the staff at these training schools have not been paid since April. This includes retired senior army officers. Some of the contract staff have been sent home. A lot of money was spent on equipment and other facilities while establishing these military training schools. Without immediate grants, these facilities may end up wasted.

But the officials lamented that the project is now stuck without the funds being released.

Meanwhile, Karnataka Backward Class Welfare Shivaraj Thangadagi said that he was unaware of the issue, and assured to gather information from the concerned officials.