Once a dominant force in the UT police, Punjabis — celebrated for their bravery and valour — now apparently find the khaki uniform a heavy burden to bear. Over the years, the recruitment scenario has undergone a sea change with the number of candidates from Punjab declining drastically since 1969, when over 90 per cent of the force comprised residents of the state. Reason: most male aspirants from the state are unable to clear the physical tests conducted during the recruitment process.

Newsline explores the trend:

Men from Punjab on the wane
The numbers speak for themselves — this year, for 112 posts of constables, the UT police received 8,413 applications from Punjabi men. Of these, only 254 (3 per cent) managed to clear the physical tests and a meagre 28 cleared the written tests. Finally, after the interview, just 15 men were recruited. In 2007 as well, clearing the physical tests proved to be the biggest hurdle for the aspirants — of the 6,879 men who applied for the 270 posts of constables, only 487 qualified the physical tests.

Women counterparts fare better
While the men struggled to qualify, women from Punjab passed with flying colours. Of the 1,557 women who applied for 38 posts of constables, 145 (about 10 per cent) cleared the physical tests. Thirty qualified the written tests and ultimately nine were selected.

Haryana on top
Of the 12,794 men from Haryana who applied, 1,192 cleared the physical efficiency tests. Of the total 112 constables recruited, 79 men (70 per cent) are from Haryana. Of the 809 women applicants from Haryana, 130 passed the physical tests and 18 joined the force.

... contd.