GUWAHATI, June 23 - In view of the abysmal presence of youths of the State in the armed forces and Central paramilitary forces, the Sadiya district administration has launched a first-of-its-kind initiative � Project Sindhu Kshetra � that seeks to prepare the local youths for facing the challenges of competitive exams required for entry into these fields.
The administration has roped in experts from the Army (20 Madras Regiment) and the CRPF (68 Battalion) for the purpose. Besides, experts from other fields are also being called upon for imparting training on soft-skill development.
Sadiya�s backwardness, its vulnerability to extremist activities and the high incidence of unemployment have also been taken into account while starting the initiative.
�The subdivision has a history of insurgency and banned organisations are still active in a few pockets, trying to lure jobless youths into their fold. The project aims at developing a sense of responsibility among the youths. Growing drug abuse too has been a concern in some areas,� Biswajit Phukan, SDO (Civil), Sadiya, told The Assam Tribune.
In order to make it sustainable and effective, Project Sindhu Kshetra will be made a perennial exercise and the database of each participant shall be kept and they will be provided with prompt notifications, concerning the requirement drives. Special sessions will also be held so as to keep the participants alert and active.
�The poor representation of the youths of the State in the armed forces and Central police and paramilitary forces is a matter of concern. Despite the fact that large-scale recruitments are held for various posts in these sectors, our youth fail to get themselves absorbed for lack of awareness, guidance and training,� Phukan said.
A total of hundred youths � mostly from economically backward families � are currently undergoing the training in four batches. �Once we get more response, we will enhance the scope of the training,� he added.
Phukan said that Sadiya being a remote place situated on the easternmost tip of the State, the level of awareness was even less. �We wanted to do something positive for effecting the desired transformation and this is a step in that direction,� he said.
Phukan said that the drive was aimed at giving exposure to local youths for appearing in tests for the armed forces � military, paramilitary and police � both at regional and pan-India level.
�The training is being jointly executed by the Army and the CRPF team placed here in Sadiya. In addition, we are also roping in experts from other spheres for soft skill development so that the youths can face personality tests with confidence,� he said.
The project has been named Sindhu Kshetra after the ancient name of Sadiya.
