340 individuals leave for National Service Program training

The first batch of participants in the Maldives National Service Program have departed for training. The program which was announced by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu is open to individuals aged between 16 years old though 28 years old. The application process of the program began in April, with 1,244 individuals having applied.

350 participants were chosen after they underwent interviews, medicals and fitness tests. The chosen participants are from Sh. Funadhoo, N. Manadhoo and Th. Veymandoo. 

The Defense Ministry has stated that the first batch of 340 participants have left today to Lh. Maafilaafushi. The ministry also said that the participants will complete three months of training at the military-supervised island.

During last year's Victory Day celebration ceremony, President Muizzu had said that more people were needed in order to conduct military operations the way he wanted to. At the time, he announced that a mandatory program will be introduced for individuals who do not achieve promising academic results and will be sent to join the military and the police once they turn 16 years of age.

President Muizzu also said that for the next four years, 1,000 people are needed for military jobs each year, along with a total of 1,000 people being needed to increase police services.

Chosen applicants of the National Service Program will receive MVR 6,000 per month as allowance. This will total at least MVR 1.2 million each month.