Air Chief backs idea of formal military training for youth

Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha on Saturday backed the proposal to provide formal military training to the youth of the country, which he said will effectively serve the nation's growth.

However, he said he was not sure about the content of the bill as envisaged by the government.

"We already have the NCC, which is oriented towards military training, discipline, Go through the hardships and attract people and the youth towards joining the military. So, it is already there. But, if this has come up I am not sure what the content of the bill is," Raha told mediapersons here.

"It's always good to have some kind of formal military training for every youth of the country, boys and girls, so that they can contribute more effectively towards the country's growth," he said.

Earlier on Friday, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar indicated in the Rajya Sabha that the government would like to include some element of military training for its youth, especially in border areas.

A bill that was moved by BJP member Avinash Rai Khanna during last session of Parliament proposing one-year compulsory military training in the age group of 14-15, was voted out.