It is as early as six in the morning and the Quli Qutb Shah Stadium is a place of hectic activity. Scores of youth from across the old city converge at the stadium with a common aim.
No, this time around it is not to engage with the police, but to be a part of it. Thanks to the ongoing constable recruitment drive, the youth are busy preparing for the physical test.
More than 300 youths, including girls, are practicing for more than three hours a day at the free camp being conducted by the Majlis party. “It’s tough. We are not used to such physical tests. But this is our best opportunity,” says Ghulam Ahmed, an Intermediate student from Falaknuma. The aspirants have to clear a physical test before being eligible for the written test.
The 100-metre sprint has to be cleared in 15 seconds and 800-metre run in 170 seconds. In the long jump, they have to clear 3.80 metres and the high jump 1.20 metres. Shot put has to be thrown at a distance of minimum 5.60 metres.
There are 2,400 odd constabulary posts for the city and it has infused a lot of confidence and hope among the job aspirants. “The job is adventurous and challenging. It also helps getting a permanent employment,” feels Mohd. Abdul Mustafa.
There are about 25 girls participating in the camp. A few of them are pursuing their graduation and post-graduation. Ayesha Begum of Nawab Sahab Kunta, who has completed her M.Com, is also a regular at the camp. “We can change the system only when we become a part of it. I would like to serve the society by joining the police force,” Ayesha says.
Camp in-charge Md. Mansoor Ali Khan said the youth are pretty determined. It can be judged from the fact that about 230 youth out of the 300 qualified in the 5 km run recently. “At least 90 per cent of the participants will clear the physical test,” Mr. Mansoor says. We are also offering free coaching for written test for all those who clear the physical test, he adds.
