Pune: About 12,000 aspirants are competing for 111 posts in the Territorial Army, which includes 104 vacancies for soldier (general) duty. On Monday, screening was held for youths from Maharashtra, Gujarat, Dadar & Nagar Haveli, Diu & Daman and Lakshadweep.
The recruitment process is being held at the General Parade Ground near Race Course in Wanowrie. The rush is such that traffic has been diverted around the Race Course. As the candidates were asked to report at 5 am on Monday, the youths started reaching there since Sunday evening and spent the night on the footpaths in the bitter cold. Year-on-year ratio of available posts to number of applicants is increasing. Aspirants express their concern as competition has become very tough and chances of selection is growing less. “I have been preparing since last two-and-half years. Each year competition is getting tougher as number of boys is increasing,” said Hanmant Karande from Sangli.
The parents of Hrishikesh Jadhav from Miraj are farmers. He is studying diploma in mechanical engineering.
“This is the first time I am participating in the recruitment. Though the competition is tough, I will give my best as I want to be selected,” Jadhav said.
Some aspirants said they lacked good jobs in their region, that’s why they want to join the Army, as it will provide a good source of income.
In the last decade there have been severe agrarian crisis and lack of private sector jobs has forced the youths towards government jobs for stability.
“We don’t have good job options. Also, we don’t have resources to start our own business, so government job is the only option. I am also preparing for state civil service exam,” added aspirant Manoj Thakre, who has come all the way from Buldhana. He is studying for bachelor of commerce (BCom).
Langar hosted for aspirants Gurudwara Guru Nanak Darbar, Camp, hosted langar (free meals to all) for about 5,000 young boys who have come for the recruitment.
Jitendra Pal Singh, Sevadar at the Gurudwara said, “We host langar for aspirants each time. The number of boys has increased over the years.”
Sevadar Amarjeet Singh added, “We are hosting langar three times a day and no one will sleep on a empty stomach.”
Recruitment process
101 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army) Maratha Light Infantry is organising a two-day recruitment rally.
On Tuesday, screening will be held for youths from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Rajasthan, Goa and Pondicherry.
The recruitment is for 104 soldiers (general duty), two clerks, one tailor, one washerman, two hair dressers and one chef.
