Touts series menace in army recruitment

Bangalore, Apr 20 (UNI) Touts pose a serious menace in army recruitment across the country fleecing gullible candidates though Army picked up soldiers in a most transparent manner ensuring fair representation to all regions, Additional Director General Recruiting, Army Headquarters Maj Gen P Venkateswarlu said today.

Talking to newsmen here, Maj Gen Venkateswarlu said though adequate steps had been taken to nab such touts by local police in various States, candidates should be aware of the recruitment process and should not fall prey to the touts, one of whom was recently nabbed in Belgaum in Karnataka.

He said that the recruitment policy went through a radical change in 1999 when public rallies were introduced by the Recruitment offices across the country to fill in vacancies.

Adequate publicity was provided on the mode of selection and the qualificiations of candidates.

Replying to a question, he declined to comment on the number of vacancies filled in annually. However, he expressed satisfaction that the Army received overwhelming response in the recruitment process.

He said from April next year, the selection for National Defence Academy would be through the Union Public Service Commission.

Hitherto students could directly apply for NDA admission.

UNI