Revanth Reddy, Lt Gen Rajesh Pushkar Discuss Army Recruitment Training, Disaster Response in Telangana

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has proposed closer cooperation with the Indian Army to help more young people from the state prepare for military recruitment, raising the possibility of structured training programmes at district-level centres across Telangana.

The proposal came during a meeting with Lieutenant General Rajesh Pushkar, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Army’s Southern Command, and other senior military representatives at the Bhoomi Pavilion at MCR HRD. Telangana Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy was also present. Major General N. Srinivas Rao, General Officer Commanding, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, took part in the discussions along with other senior Army officials.

According to the discussions, one of the main issues taken up was how to expand access for Telangana’s youth to Army recruitment opportunities. Revanth Reddy asked the Army leadership to consider organising structured training programmes at suitable district centres so that aspirants could receive guidance and preparation within the state.

Lt Gen Rajesh Pushkar responded positively to the proposal and indicated that such programmes could be conducted at selected district centres. The idea is to help local candidates prepare for different Army recruitment processes held across the country, giving them support closer to their home districts rather than requiring them to depend entirely on distant preparation options.

The proposed initiative is intended to improve readiness ahead of recruitment activities by creating training facilities in advance of selection cycles. If implemented, these centres would aim to familiarise candidates with various stages of the recruitment process and strengthen their preparation before they appear for Army selection procedures.

The meeting also moved beyond recruitment and examined the Army’s role in disaster response within the state. Revanth Reddy praised the Indian Army’s contribution during natural disasters and urged military authorities to act proactively during flood situations in Telangana. He specifically called for support in rescue operations, evacuation of affected residents to safer places, and rehabilitation efforts after such emergencies.

In response, Lt Gen Pushkar assured the Chief Minister that local Army authorities would be directed to take special initiatives and extend the necessary support during disaster situations in Telangana.

Another subject discussed during the interaction was Hyderabad’s environmental and civic infrastructure, particularly the Musi River rejuvenation project. Lt Gen Pushkar congratulated the Telangana government on taking up the project, which is aimed at reducing pollution and restoring the historic river and its surrounding areas.

He stressed that cleaning and rejuvenating the Musi River would be important for Hyderabad’s long-term protection and development. The discussion framed the project as one with wider implications for the city’s environment and urban sustainability.

Overall, the meeting brought together several areas where the state government and the Army can work more closely: supporting youth who want to join the armed forces, improving preparedness for flood and disaster response, and exchanging views on major civic and environmental initiatives affecting Hyderabad.

The discussions are expected to improve coordination between the Telangana administration and Southern Command, especially in creating more structured support for Army recruitment aspirants from the state and strengthening the Army’s operational support framework during emergencies.