From Our Special Correspondent
New Delhi: Rajya Sabha MP from Meghalaya, Wansuk Syiem, on Friday demanded setting up of more Sainik schools and residential schools in militancy-prone tribal areas to wean away the younger generation from militancy, while also seeking relaxation in the minimum physical standards for the tribals to be recruited in security forces, considering the special physical features of tribals all over the country mainly in the North Eastern region.
Syiem was addressing the first meeting of the Committee on Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, of which she is a member.
The entire country has been divided into six regions – Western Plains Region, Eastern Plains Region, Central Region, Southern Region, Western Himalayan Region and Eastern Himalayan Region to fix the minimum physical standards for the various regions.
But the relaxations are not enough to suit the tribals of the North Eastern region,” the MP said.
Incidentally, the defenses forces have, in the past, relaxed certain norms to make tribals fit for recruitment. The defense forces also considered local tribal traditions for recruitment after detailed examination.
Syiem said that the tribals who owe their physical structures to different races have different physical features, mainly height. They are generally short in height even though they are more strong and stout, she said, adding they face problems mainly because of their short height.
The Rajya Sabha MP also wanted more Sainik Schools to be set up in tribal areas so that students can be prepared to become future officers in Defence Services.
“Sainik schools have resources to allow cadets to develop their skills in sports, academics and other extracurricular activities,” she said, while adding, “Sainik Schools include running tracks, cross-country tracks, indoor games, parade grounds, boxing rings, firing ranges, canoeing clubs, horse riding clubs, mountaineering clubs, trekking and hiking club, obstacles courses, football, hockey and cricket fields, as well as volleyball and basketball courts, disciplines where the tribals excel over others.”
Syiem also demanded more residential schools in tribal areas. “Such coeducational schools have equal number of boys and girls and the educational expenses are free. There are provisions for stay both for the students and the teachers which help and encourage the tribals,” she added.