Date:16/05/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/05/16/stories/2005051603180500.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Youth hostels in all districts mooted

Staff Reporter

Call for awareness on army recruitment Work on five hostel buildings to begin soon with the Central Government aid.

SANGAREDDY: The Minister for Youth Affairs, T. Harish Rao, has said that the State Government is planning to set up youth hostels in all districts. At present there are six hostels in the State and another five are being planned in Siddipet, Cuddapah, Rajahmundry, Vizianagaram and Karimnagar.

Addressing a press conference here on Sunday, the Minister said that land for the five hostels had been allotted and work would begin with Central Government's financial assistance in two months.

Quota

He said that efforts were being made to fulfil the quota for Telanagana region in the armed forces recruitment rallies. He attributed poor enrolment in armed and para-military forces from backward regions to lack of awareness among youth.

Stressing the need to train the youth, the Minister said that a training programme with Rs. 3 crores was implemented and the first batch would test their abilities in the next recruitment rally being held in Karimnagar from June 6 to 15.

New gymnasiums

The Minister also said that a programme was being chalked out under which all mandals in the State would be sanctioned gymnasiums. Funds would be made available to youth associations to construct permanent buildings for taking up development work.