Nitish requests Defence Minister not to close Army OTA in Gaya

In a letter to the Defense Minister, copy of which was released in media, Mr Kumar stated that the closure of the Academy which was strengthening the capabilities of Army personnel would be improper and would not be in the interest of Bihar.

Terming the proposed closure of the Academy as an injustice to the people of Bihar, he requested Mr Rajnath Singh to personally intervene to fulfil the assurances given to Bihar government by the defence ministry in 2009.

Referring to the articles published in the newspapers regarding the closure of the OTA, Mr Kumar said he was perturbed with the news and added that Bihar had few Army academies. The Defence Minister was aware of the establishment of OTA in 2011 at Gaya to fulfil the shortage of Army officers and to strengthen the Army personnel, he added.

This Academy, besides creating employment in the concerned sector was also developing a sense of security among the people.  Being a source of livelihood to a major chunk of the population of the area, this Institute was also adding to the economic activities.

Highlighting the tourism potential of Gaya, Mr Kumar said that it is an international tourist spot where a large number of tourists throng every year. For this purpose, there is an international airport in Gaya and the officers training academy instil confidence of the international tourists coming here.

The chief minister said that the OTA at Gaya not only prepare soldiers and specially commissioned officers but also recruit soldiers for the friendly nations. Lauding the activities of Gaya OTA, Mr Kumar said that he felt that this Academy was providing the best-trained officers.

Pointing out the loss of Army officers in insurgencies, war and other security operations, he suggested initiating necessary steps to increase the number of cadets.

Drawing the defence minister’s attention towards his letter written on June 10, 2009, Mr Kumar said that in that later he had requested not to shift the Army Service Corps from Gaya in view of security and other strategic reasons.

He reminded Mr Singh that the then Defence Minister Mr AK Antony, in his reply on June 20, 2009, had assured to establish an additional OTA in Gaya. The then Defence Minister had also assured to protect the interest of the local people. He said that after this the ASC was shifted from Gaya and OTA was set up in 2011.