Red Horns Division is engaged in organising a series of apprentice cadres for unemployed youth of various districts in Lower Assam as part of ongoing efforts to wean the youth away from gun culture. The 621 EME Battalion of 21 Mountain Division recently conducted an apprentice cadre in Nalbari district. This was the fourth in the series of apprentice cadres which were earlier conducted in the districts of Kokrajhar, Kamrup, Nalbari, Dhubri and Bongaigaon. The cadre was inaugurated by Maj Gen Gaganjit Singh, GOC, 21 Mountain Division.

The apprentice cadre ran for four weeks and was conducted in two phases. During the initial phase, basic training was imparted to the candidates in all trades. In second phase, practical training was given to deserving candidates. The cadre was planned to be interactive in nature with basic class room training and practicals followed by an "on-the-job" training. At the end of cadre, successful candidates were awarded certificates recognised by the State Government of Assam.

A unique feature of the apprentice cadre was that probationary placement of deserving students was planned in the private sector. Efforts have also been made to secure land/shops from civil administration in Nalbari for setting up self-employment shops and there has been a provision of loans on easy terms from civil administration for the successful apprentices. The candidates who successfully completed the training would be assisted in setting up their trade shops under operation samaritan scheme.

The training aimed at making the candidates proficient in trade of their choice by providing them with the basic skills and practice in making or repair of certain artifacts. The industrial sector indicated its resolve to support this effort of Army for upliftment of the people of Assam. Corporate giants like Telco, Ashok Leyland and Hero Honda promised employment for apprentices.

It is evident from the efforts of the Red Horns Division that the two-pronged policy of eliminating insurgency and working for the social and economic upliftment of the people of the state now is bearing fruit. The response of the population to such schemes of the Army could be gauged from the number of candidates who wanted to join this apprentice cadre.