Kovai cops train tribal youth to become policemen

“Having a police officer within the locality will deter Maoists or other extremist groups from entering these villages,” a police officer said. 

The Tamil Nadu Uniformed Services Recruited Board (USRB) will be conducting a recruitment drive to fill up 15,711 posts in Police, Fire and Rescue Services and Prison departments. This includes 13,183 Grade II constable vacancies in the police department. 

“Qualification for the post is a pass in the Secondary School Leaving Examination (SSLC). We have identified 52 youngsters, including two girls who have the required qualification, physical attributes and above all have interest in joining the police force. Some of them have completed BSc, BCA and other degree courses as well,” a police officer training the youngsters said. 

The youngsters are mostly from Pilloor Dam, Karunya Nagar, Anaikatti, Vadakipalayam, Valparai, Kadambarai, Sheikal Mudis and Mudis areas. “We first helped them apply for the examination. We are now in the process of training them for the written and physical tests,” he added. 

Coaching and training began on March 19. Professor P Kanagaraj from the Government Arts College, Coimbatore, has come forward to conduct the coaching free of cost every weekend. While he will train about 30 aspirants from Anaikatti and Karunya Nagar, police are trying to get the help of a retired professor to coach aspirants from Valparai and nearby areas. 

As per the request of the police, Karunya University has agreed to train the aspirants of Karunya Nagar and Anaikatti areas on 1,500 meters running, rope climbing and long jump that the aspirants must pass once they clear the written test. The aspirants are undergoing rigorous training for one hour every morning and evening. The police officials and trainers said the commitment shown by the aspirants was encouraging and at least half of them could land a job in the police department.