Youth may be given some military training: Defence Minister Manohara Parrikar

New Delhi: India could start some element ofmilitary training for its youth, especially in border areas, but compulsory training on the lines of Russia and other countries is ruled out.

Under the programme, which could be launched on trial basis in border areas, military training could be imparted for an hour or as a separate course as part of school and college curriculum, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar told the Rajya Sabha on Friday.

"It can be introduced as an hour in a course or as a separate course. We can work out something like that. We can start on a trial basis. Let us do in some districts in borders

where there is more enthusiasm," he said while replying to a debate on a private member's bill.

"After consulting members, something will be worked out, may be in few months," he added.

The bill, moved by BJP member Avinash Rai Khanna during last session of Parliament, proposed one-year compulsory military training in the age group of 14-15. It was defeated by voice vote.

Supporting the intent of the proposal in the bill, Parrikar, however, said compulsory military training was not possible in view of the huge costs of the tune of Rs 60,000 crore each year.

"I would have supported the bill had I been sitting there (in opposition), but I am sitting on this side in government. I will support the bill but I will point out issues which will create problems," he said.

"The idea is excellent but the bill needs to be withdrawn as it is not possible to provide compulsory military training in age group of 14-15," he said.

Khanna was not present in the House for withdrawing the bill because of which it was put to vote.

Explaining how the proposal was "not physically possible", Parrikar said if the country has 16 crore youth in that age group and half of them are fit for training, it will cost the exchequer Rs 60,000 crore each year. There will also be problems on account of infrastructure and resources.