Readying girls to give them hell

CHANDIGARH: Once known as sword arm of the nation, Punjab is all set to create history again on July 25 with the commencement of the country's first armed forces preparatory institute for girls. The institute has recently selected 25 girls from various districts of Punjab after a rigorous selection process. As per the data available with the TOI, a total of 1,658 girls had applied for the admission in the institute that has been named after Mai Bhago -- a Sikh woman warrior who had fought against Mughals in 17th century.The selected girls would join the institute on July 18.
While Union defence minister Manohar Parrikar has already consented to inaugurate the institute, chiefs of the Army, the Navy and the Air Force are also expected to witness the historical moment. India's only living five-star general, Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh has also been specially invited on the occasion.
The selected 25 girls cadets would complete their academic qualifications from Chandigarh's MCM DAV College but will have to stay in the institute spread in six acre area in Sector 66 of Mohali, for grooming as future officers.
During their stay at the institute, the girl cadets would be given training for personality development, communication skills, overall grooming, proficiency in English language and some basics of military training.
Major Gen I P Singh (retd), former additional director general (international cooperation) of the Indian Army and Director of institute, Mai Bhago Armed Forces Preparatory Institute (MBAFPI) , told TOI that only 25 young girls from Punjab, who had qualified their class XII, have been inducted as cadets. Gen Singh, a retired officer of Armoured Corps, said that girls would remain in the institute for three years and a team of highly-trained professionals would prepare them to join the armed forces.
Every year, 25 girls would be inducted for three years, as the institute has capacity of 75 cadets at a time. They will have to wear khaki uniform and maroon beret during their stay at institute.
Gen Singh said that the girls will have to give undertaking to join armed forces upon their selection and if they failed to do so the entire expenses spent by the government on their training would be reimbursed from them.
Sukhpreet Kaur Thind, an academician with Army background, has been appointed as assistant director of the institute. The institute director said that an administrative officer having served as GTO or psychologist at services selection board of defence forces would also be appointed. Institute would outsource services of other experts to train the girls in various fields as per the requirements.
The chosen
A total of 1,658 girls had applied online for admission in the institute. Out of these, 1,050 were found to be eligible. 970 of 1,050 appeared for the written examination. Only 106 could qualify the written examination. After the interview and medical examination, 25 girls have been selected while 10 have been kept in reserve. They have been already admitted in MCM DAV College in Sector 36 of Chandigarh for graduation course. Training expenses of the girls would be borne by the Punjab Government.