KOZHIKODE: In an attempt to remove misconceptions and integrate the community further into the mainstream, an educational society is offering sponsored coaching to Muslim youths to help them join the Intelligence Bureau (IB), the nation's premier internal intelligence-gathering agency.

Al Ameen Educational and Charitable Society , based here, has tied up with Enlight Study Circle , a professional entrance coaching centre , to enable candidates from the minority community crack the upcoming exams for 750 vacancies of Assistant Central Intelligence Officer-Grade II posts in the IB. It is offering cash scholarship for the 45-day coaching programme.

"The number of Muslims in the rolls of IB is dismal; as per our information it is just around 2%. We also feel that under-representation of Muslims in the agency could be a reason why sometimes the agency is perceived as anti-Muslim. Having more Muslims will surely make the agency more inclusive and truly representative," Shahid Thiruvalloor, secretary of Al Ameen Educational Society, said.

According to National Commission for Minorities the percentage of Muslims in security agencies is around 4%. The Sachar Committee report had found that in India as a whole, Muslims are under-represented in the police — just 6% of police constables and 4% in the IPS.

"Our coaching programme is open for candidates from all religions and communities. But Al Ameen is giving financial sponsorship to students from the Muslim community which will cover part of the course expense," said T K Abhijith, a trainer with Enlight.

Candidates aged between 18-27 years are eligible for the IB exam, which has two papers. Paper I focuses on general awareness/general knowledge, reasoning, comprehension, mathematical ability etc, while Paper 2 will be designed to check English writing skill and analytical capability. It will be followed by an interview and successful candidates will have to clear character and antecedent verification, and medical examination.

