Date:07/02/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/02/07/stories/2008020754250500.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Joining hands for a cause

Gollapudi Srinivasa Rao

Teachers, PETs, NGOs and traders join hands with the police to train educated unemployed youth to appear for constable recruitment test

— Photo: M. Murali

FITNESS FIRST: Youth at the pre-recruitment training camp organised by the police at Mahabubabad in Warangal district.

MAHABUBABAD (WARANGAL DT.): When one espouses a noble cause, support from various quarters is bound to come.

Similar was the case when the local police decided to organise a free pre-recruitment training for youth aspiring to appear for constable recruitment.

About 200 youths, mostly tribals of Mahabubabad, Kesamudram, Kuravi, Nekkonda mandals approached the police to join the pre-recruitment camp.

After filtering some candidates on account of height and educational qualifications, the police requested the teachers, physical education trainers (PETs), local NGOs and traders to join hands to help the educated unemployed youth.

A young and enterprising school teacher at Nereda V. Gurunatha Rao agreed to spare two hours to teach the youth reasoning, general knowledge and mental ability before and after school hours and two other teachers came forward to teach English and other subjects. Likewise, the local PETs agreed to take out some time to train them in physical fitness.

A blessing

Speaking to The Hindu, A. Amarender, BA second-year student of Gudur mandal said the camp had come like a blessing. “Several private people were charging Rs. 10,000 to train candidates, which none of us can afford,” he said.

G. Ramesh, a degree final year student said the teachers were really helpful and the camp had opened an altogether a new world to them. “The subjects being taught here are new. But the teachers are giving us easy tips. We will never forget what we learned here,” he said.

However, some students coming from distant places said they were unable to come at 5 a.m. due to lack of transport and cold wave. “The training programme should be a residential one. Then more youth will benefit,” said B. Balaji, a graduate from Kesamudram mandal.

Residential camp

Sub-Inspector of Police L. Adinarayana said they were contemplating to offer a month-long residential training camp with free boarding and lodging once the exact schedule for recruitment was announced. “The actual schedule is yet to be announced. We have already contacted some individuals who agreed to sponsor food and accommodation,” he said.

Superintendent of Police Soumya Mishra said they were planning similar camps across the district.