(a) whether the Government proposes to launch special recruitment drive in tribal areas for the armed forces;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the number of such drives launched during the last three years and the current year;
(d) the number of tribal youths recruited through the drives during the said period; and
(e) whether the Government proposes to open new recruitment centres in various parts of the country and if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI MANOHAR PARRIKAR)
(a) to (e): A statement is attached.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2186 FOR ANSWER ON 5.12.2014
(a) to (d): Officers in the Armed Forces are selected primarily through All India open competition.
Recruitment of Other Ranks (ORs) in Army is carried out through Open Recruitment Rally System being conducted regularly throughout the country. Efforts are made to cover entire country including remote and tribal areas. In Navy, regular recruitment drives are undertaken, covering all States / regions for recruitment of sailors. Recruitment of Airmen in Air Force is on all India basis through scheduled selection tests. In addition, recruitment rallies are also conducted in different parts of the country including tribal areas to provide opportunity to youth from these areas to join the Armed Forces.
Recruitment of youth, including from tribal areas across the country is an ongoing process. The recruitment data for a particular region, religion, tribe, caste or creed is not maintained.
(e) Government has approved setting up of additional seven Service Selection Boards (SSBs) (2 for Army, 3 for Navy and 2 for Air Force) for selection of officers. However, presently there is no proposal for opening new recruitment centre for other ranks.