The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has taken a historic decision on Thursday to remove discrimination in height norms for the Scheduled Tribes of north-eastern region and Gorkhas for recruitment in Central Armed Forces.
With this relaxation, large numbers of youths from the Northeast and Gorkhas will be recruited in CAPFs.
The existing height criterion for sub inspectors in CAPFs and ASI in CISF was 165 centimetres and it has been revised to 157 centimetres for male STs of Northeast and male Gorkhas.
The existing height criterion for constable was 162.5 centimetres and it has also been revised to 157 centimetres for male STs of Northeast.
Justifying the revision in height norms Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju tweeted that ‘this is not a case of reservation. The hill people of North-East India & Gorkhas are shorter in average heights in compare to people of other Himalayan States and plain areas but they are excellent in combat. Therefore, it is providing equal opportunity.’
This is not a case of reservation. The hill people of North-East India & Gorkhas are shorter in average heights in compare to people of other Himalayan States and plain areas but they are excellent in combat. Therefore, it is providing equal opportunity. https://t.co/ec8u7qYVSB
— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) November 29, 2018