Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Mar 19: The candidates who are participating in the army recruitment rally that is under way in the city, have been found sleeping on the public roads at night. The people are expressing unhappiness at this situation.

The army recruitment rally has been going on here for the last few days. It will continue till March 29. Thousands of aspirants who have come to participate in the rally from different parts of the city, are facing hardships as they do not have proper facilities here.

The rally begins at 4 am every day. Various physical and medical tests are performed for the candidates during the day. Admaru Math here has been providing food free of cost for the candidates. But the candidates do not have the facility to spend nights. Therefore they are seen sleeping on the footpaths. After a local created a social media post regarding this situation people have been expressing anger at this situation.

Udupi district deputy commissioner (DC) G Jagadeesha, by way of clarification, said that this is an army selection camp for which the administration has extended cooperation. "The administration has arranged for their stay at six places. Unlike in other districts, we have provided food to them. Some come here at midnight, sleep wherever it is convenient, and leave for the recruitment rally at 4 am. The district administration, with the support of donors, has arranged free lunch, breakfast, drinking water and lodging facility without spending anything from the government. Some are indulging in malicious campaigning which is wrong," he noted.

Even though the administration has arranged for the stay of candidates in schools, halls of temples etc, some candidates are dithering from using this facility as they have to leave by 4 am. Many social service organizations have also offered to provide night stay facilities for these candidates. It is left for the candidates to make use of these facilities.