Dehradun, June 8
The Indian Military Academy (IMA) is developing infrastructure to accommodate at least 2,400 Gentleman Cadets at a time.

Commandant of the IMA Lt Gen Manvender Singh told mediapersons at the academy here today that while at present the IMA had 1,800 Gentleman Cadets, its infrastructure was for an authorised strength of 1,650 Gentleman Cadets. “But we are now developing infrastructure for at least 2,400 Gentleman Cadets in the near future,” said Lt Gen Manvender.

He said as the National Defence Academy was also on an expansion mode, improving infrastructure of the IMA was also needed. He added many applicants despite clearing the Service Selection Boards failed to make up to the overall merit list due to limitation of the existing training infrastructure in the academy.

Lt Gen Manvender said though acquisition of 1,950 acres in proximity to the IMA had been proposed, the final decision rests with the Uttarakhand Government.

Responding to queries, Lt Gen Manvender said while the IMA cadets were not allowed to use online social networking sites due to security reasons, a very limited Internet access was being provided to them for their academic subjects. He added even the cadets were convinced that a temporary absence of Internet was required.

The IMA Commandant said security in the academy was the foremost concern and an additional infantry battalion was already engaged in providing effective security. He added a biometric system had also been introduce in the academy to ensure a full-proof security mechanism.

Lt Gen Manvender said 678 Gentleman Cadets would pass out from the academy tomorrow. He added since its inception in 1932, a total of 51,661 Gentleman Cadets had passed out from the academy. He said 823 of these officers had attained martyrdom in various operations.

He ruled any reduction in the period of training for former NDA cadets coming to the IMA.