Raju Bista thanks Rajnath Singh for renewing special provisions for Gorkha youths in army recruitment

Defence Minister had renewed the validity of the relaxed norms of eligibility without the specific percentage (45 percent overall and 33 percent mandatory in all subjects) requirement in Class X examinations.

PRASHANT ACHARYA, EOI, DARJEELING, FEB 15, 2023 :  Darjeeling M.P. Raju Bista on Wednesday thanked Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh for making special provisions for the recruitment of Indian Gorkha youths in the army.

He said due to the lack of proper educational facilities and the crumbling school infrastructure, many of the deserving youths in the hills had not been able to score the requisite 45 percent overall and 33 percent mandatory in all subjects for recruitment in the army. 

Following requests from the Gorkha Ex-servicemen’s Association, Bista had reached out to Rajnath Singh to allow Gorkha youths to become eligible for recruitment in the army without the specific percentage requirement in Class X examinations.

The Darjeeling M.P. in 2020 raised the same issue and the Defence Minister had introduced the relaxed eligibility norms, but this was to be in force till March 31, 2023. Now Bista said in a Press release, the Defence Minister had renewed the validity of the relaxed norms.

“I am most hopeful, all our eligible our youths who had been held back due to the percentage requirement will now take this opportunity provided by the Government of India and the Indian army, and make the most of it,” said Bista. 

Underscoring the need for improving upon the deficient school education system among the Gorkha community, Bista said: “Though this provided a temporary relief for our youths but, as a community, we also have to take the responsibility of making them eligible at par with the rest of the nation. If we don't address this issue now, it is not good for the future of our community and region. All of us should have to seriously work towards addressing our deficient school education system.

Our youths cannot compete at the national level, without proper schooling, and it is our duty to ensure they get the best education possible. Our youths too should work hard, and dedicate themselves seriously to avail of every opportunity they get.