The government has decided that students who fail to score adequate marks, upon turning sixteen years of age, will be drafted into compulsory service in Maldives National Defence Force or Maldives Police Service.
The government has decided that students who fail to score adequate marks, upon turning sixteen years of age, will be drafted into compulsory service in Maldives National Defence Force or Maldives Police Service.
In last night's ceremony held at Dharubaaruge to mark Victory Day, the President stated that more recruits are still needed to develop MNDF as per his vision.
He said that 1000 new recruits are needed for MNDF in the next year, and 1000 new recruits needed for Police within the remainder of his term in office.
"A total of about 5000 youth, those, like I said, do not have the opportunity to seek employment, with low education and ending up on the streets, they will be given this chance and turned into responsible individuals. In this way, we will get enough recruits for MNDF as well," he said.
"From next year onwards, we will have an annual National Service Program. This program will be implemented through drafting necessary laws, where after 16 years of age, those who score low in O'levels and are not gainfully employed or have the opportunity to go ahead in studies must take part in this program," he said.
Once joining the program, the youth will undergo training and a recruitment program, after which they will be employed either by MNDF or Police.
The President said that each year, 2000 to 3000 students fail to score sufficient results in O'levels to be able to go ahead to do their A'levels. Additionally, 500 to 1000 students who complete A'levels are unable to enroll in degree programs.
The President said that despite these youth being unable to find jobs, the current law does not allow them to be recruited into MNDF. However, he said that the prevalence of such youth falling into lives of crime and drug addiction result in being a burden upon the State, and negatively impact the economy as well.
The President maintains that if such youth are given military training and proper guidance, it will prove beneficial to the youth themselves, as well as their families. With this in mind, the government has decided to draft necessary laws and implement the National Service Program.
An allocation of MVR 400 million has been proposed in next year's State Budget for the National Service Program. Following this, MVR 400 million will be dedicated for this program each year, he said.
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