Defence Minister, Mr George Fernandes called upon the countrymen to become conscious of the prevalent national security environment as the country was facing both internal and external security challenges. While speaking at the inaugural function of platinum jubilee celebrations of the Military School, Chail in Shimla hills, he appealed to the countrymen and youth, in particular, to take up the challenges being faced by the country today. He said that corruption was one of the major ills plaguing the country and yet people were not giving a serious thought to root it out. China is sternly dealing with corruption cases sentencing one of its top leaders, he added.

Comparing India with China, Mr Fernandes commented that at the time of attaining independence India was ahead of that country in many spheres, but today China has surged ahead of India in almost every field. In the just concluded Olympics, China was among the top medal winners while India’s honour was saved by a lone medal won by a lady, he added.

On situation in Jammu and Kashmir, the Minister said that in the past few weeks, Indian security forces had put up a greater pressure and inflicted heavy casualties on the militants. He said the Army and para-military forces were doing their best to control insurgency in the Valley.

Expressing his concern over the low intake of the school cadets into NDA, Mr Fernandes said since the Sainik Schools were funded from the defence budget, the desired results must be produced.