Keep off touts, Army official tells aspirants

“Do not get influenced by touts. They have nothing to do with recruitment in the Indian Army. The entire recruitment process is transparent and merit will prevail over the rest,” Deputy Director General of Army General Recruitment (South) Brigadier S.B. Sajjan has said.

He was addressing the media on Tuesday at the Army Recruitment Rally, which was being organised at Indira Priyadarshini Stadium.

According to him, every step is automated and there is minimal human interference.

“Even the common entrance test, which the short-listed candidates will have to take in the last week of October, runs on software developed at the Army Headquarters. If people have any grievance, they can approach me or the Director, Recruitment,” he said.

The 10-day rally began on Sunday for youths from districts of Visakhapatnam, East Godavari, West Godavari, Krishna, Vizianagaram, Srikakulam, and Yanam (Pudducherry). It is being organised to recruit jawans for various posts such as soldier technical, general duty, tradesman, clerk, store keeper.

During the first three days, 14,000 candidates attended the rally and 300 of them were short-listed.

“We expect a turnout of 50,000 candidates and at least 500 will be recruited,” he said.

Though the Brigadier was happy about the turnout, he sounded unenthusiastic about the number of short-listed candidates.

“ Preparation of the candidates is not up to the mark,” he said.

The candidates have to initially take up a 1.6-km run, after getting their certificates verified. The run has to be completed within a specific time. Those who clear the first hurdle will have take up a few more basic endurance tests such as chin-ups and clearing a 9-ft ditch. Those who clear the endurance tests will have to undergo a basic medical test, which is followed by a detailed check-up by Army doctors.

District Collector N. Yuvaraj, who was present, said arrangements such as water, medical facility had been made at the venue. There was also adequate presence of the police to control the crowd.

Director, Recruitment, Colonel A.K. Singh was present.