This In an exclusive interview with Sandip Dighe of Sakaaltimes on the eve of the 130th Passing Out Parade, the NDA supremo touches upon a range of subjects related to the cadets.
The rate of withdrawal, relegation and resignations has been very high. The main reasons for this has been over training the cadets beyond the requirement of a basic training academy. 127th Course had 40 resignations. How do you intend to address this issue?
NDA Commandant Vice Admiral G Ashok Kumar: The wastage rate is not alarming and pegged at five to six per cent which is normal for academies in the business of war. These include resignations to pursue other careers or a few who are weak willed and unable to cope with the tough regimen and withdrawals on grounds of unsuitability. Since there are no runners-up in war and the soldiers are expected to defend the nation till the last breath, we do not compromise on training standards, lest the weak minded or medically unfit may yield to the enemy when the day of reckoning comes. In fact, I am sure that the nation will be proud of this fact that we maintain absolutely high standards. But I will also sympathise with those worthy ones who had to be boarded out due to medical conditions or injury.
