MP Chowta pushes to boost recruitment to armed forces from Dakshina Kannada

Mangaluru: Against the backdrop of escalating tension between India and Pakistan, Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta is taking steps to boost recruitment into the armed forces from the region. In this direction, he recently met with Maj Gen Hari B Pillai, ADG (recruiting - states), HQ Recruiting Zone, Bengaluru, to discuss enhancing military recruitment and exploring the potential of establishing a military station in Dakshina Kannada.

On the sidelines of this meeting, Capt Chowta told TOI: "I am working towards making Mangaluru more visible on the defence map. As a first step, I want to provide the Army Recruitment Office with a permanent, accessible space within the city. They are currently operating out of a rented facility in Kulur, which limits visibility and reach."

Further, he said that efforts are also underway to bring a T-55 medium tank to Mangaluru. "The tank, which played a significant role in the 1971 Indo-Pak war and was a mainstay of the Indian Army since its induction in 1966, was sanctioned and will soon be placed at a prominent location in the city," he said.

Capt Chowta also said that the proposal for India's first Coast Guard Academy in Mangaluru is in its final stage, awaiting cabinet approval. "Our long-term goal is to create a cultural shift where more youth from Dakshina Kannada consider a career in the armed forces. While Mangalureans are patriotic, the military is not always their first career choice, often due to a lack of awareness or the abundance of other career opportunities here," he said.

He noted that while recruitment numbers may be lower than in north India, yet, Dakshina Kannada in the last decade consistently contributed to the defence forces and has a strong ex-servicemen community.

Further, he said that he spoke to the defence minister and is in discussions with private players about setting up a Sainik School in the region on a PPP model. "I also plan to raise awareness about career opportunities in the armed forces by actively involving NCC alumni and current cadets in outreach efforts. A conscious and sustained effort is needed to build awareness and foster a culture of service," Capt Chowta added.