Banaskhantha administration equips poor for govt jobs

Palanpur, June 4 (UNI) In a case of unique noble cause, the Banaskantha district administration with help of locals has begun providing intensive training free of cost to as many 600 poor boys, irrespective of their caste, for government jobs following the noticeable success of many candidates who hailed from similar background but cleared the UPSC exam by getting into its merit list, the results of which were announced recently.

''The main objective of training is to groom poor boys for competitive examinations for military and police services,'' said J S Prajapati, Resident Deputy Collector (RDC) of the district.

The boys are being prepared for employment in military and police department. They are provided with free lodging and boarding facilities, he said.

''We have selected the candidates from below poverty line (BPL) families. The significance of the training lies in the participation of locals. The expenses are borne by the local people including cooperatives,'' he maintains.

Nagjibhai Thakore, one of the participants who has appeared for MA exams, said ''The training batches are also conducted elsewhere in the state, but they charge exorbitant fees rangeing from Rs 20,000 to Rs 25,000, which a poor boy like me cannot afford.'' Echoing the sentiment, Mr Prajapati said ''Traning courses are there but not for the vulnerable sections.'' ''It is for the first time, a common man has come forward for the noble cause. Usually one hears of hefty amounts being paid as donation,'' said Ghemarbhai Chodhri, a member of the Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee (APMC) in Vadgam.

''The schedule of training periods has been chalked out in such a way to cover the syllabus both practical and theory within stipulated time. Besides physical training, teaching work in mathematics, history, geography, general knowledge and related subjects are on to see that no text should remain uncovered,'' said Ritu Singh Mamalatdar, who is looking after the centre.

APMC chairman Deesa Govabhai Desai feels the training should be extended to other services also.

District Collector Hareet Shukla, who is instrumental in launching the training centres in the district, says ''We have about 1.7 lakh familes living below poverty line in the district, which is highest in the state. In view of generating confidence for the competitive exam and tests we have started the training centres. If the results come to our expectation we can take up the scheme on larger scale, and the expenses will be included in the regular budgets.'' ''Right now, I am very optimistic that I will get a job,'' said Dineshbhai Nathubhai Parmar from Takarwada, who lost his father and is dependent on his elder brother Rameshbhai Parmar, a diamond cutter.

Palanpur mamalatdar Ritu Singh said ''We wanted women participants. Presently, they don't have the required qualification of HHSC besides physical fitness. Next time, we will be able to rope them in the training programme.'' UNI XR-VNB SSS AG1913