M A I N   N E W S

At job rallies, Army to test Punjab youths for dope
Ajay Banerjee
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, November 17
Often described in folk tales as the land of brave warriors, Punjab now faces the unpleasant reality of the Indian Army carrying portable drug testing kits at recruitment rallies to check whether youth have taken performance enhancing drugs to clear physical tests.

The tests are done randomly on the youth who clear the first stage of recruitment – a 1.6-km run that is to be completed in six minutes. Sources in the Army say tests were started seven-eight months ago.

In July this year, the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) released data of drugs related cases across the country. As per the data, Punjab emerged at the top with 10,220 registered drug related cases in 2012.

‘Pupils’ of the eyes of each youth are observed and those found suspicious are screened. The ‘pupils’ dilate if the youth is on drugs. A check for dilated pupils is done by sending a youth to a dark room where light is directed on the face. Drug addicts do not blink their eyes.

A portable drug testing kit costs no more than Rs 250 and it tests urine samples for traces of drugs.

Officials refused to share figures of those caught on dope. They said the announcement is made in advance that a drug test will be conducted. The first suspicion of the Army surfaced during the previous recruitment drive when authorities found syringes and empty vials of drugs in Punjab and in Alwar (Rajasthan) in 2012.

A candidate wins more marks if he completes the tests quicker or for the greater number of ‘repetitions’. Sources said performance enhancing drugs can make a difference.

The first stage 1.6-km run, if completed inside 5 minutes 40 seconds, will earn 60 marks. Up to six minutes, it will earn 48 marks.

Random tests

• The tests are done randomly on youth who clear the first stage of recruitment.
• Such tests were started seven-eight months ago.
• As per the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data, Punjab was at the top with 10,220 registered drug related cases in 2012.
• The suspicion surfaced during the previous recruitment drive when authorities found syringes and empty vials of drugs in Punjab and in Alwar in 2012.