Free Civil Services Coaching Centre in Madurai

Updated on: Monday, July 06, 2015

Victory of Ira Singhal, who has topped the Union Public Service Commission civil services exam this year, is expected to infuse fresh blood into 'Lanjam Thavirthu Nenjam Nimirthu' IAS Coaching Centre for civil services exam in Madurai meant for differently-abled people. The centre, which got overwhelming response in the beginning, has not been able to keep up the momentum mainly due to lack of confidence among the differently-abled sections.

The institute was initiated by former Madurai collector U Sagayam. The centre functioning at K Pudur is entering its fourth year, but had not had a smooth ride. But the success of Ira Singhal, who has locomotor disability, and N L Beno Zephine, the first 100% visually challenged person to enter the Indian Foreign Service, is expected to bring fresh motivation into candidates preparing for civil services exam. "It was very inspiring to read about a differently-abled woman who achieved big in civil services exam. All differently-abled people can achieve it in civil services exam one way or the other. They must believe in themselves," said S Boopathi from Tamil Nadu Physically Handicapped Associations Federation.

Due to less numbers of differently-abled people and transgenders, for whom the centre was originally meant, the centre opened up for the family members of differently-abled and people from economically weaker sections. With the fourth batch of training about to begin in a few days, hardly four candidates have enrolled. "We used to have 30 people in a batch. But this year, we are yet to see such response. I personally feel that the lack of self-confidence might be the reason," said Dr S Ramakrishan, former joint director of district animal husbandry department who is the coordinator of the coaching centre. Although no one from the centre has got into the UPSC or Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission, as many as 11 people have managed to get into government departments like revenue and cooperation.

Dr S Ramakrishnan said "Because of their efforts and self-confidence, their life style is entirely changed now. Many more should come forward to achieve success in civil services exam like them. When coaching and even accommodation for the candidates are available free of cost, people should utilise it," Retired teachers, professors and officers are guiding the students. They do it as a service without any honorarium. At present, there are eight instructors and it would be perfect to have eight more, Ramakrishnan said.

Free Civil Services Coaching Centre in Madurai

More Education news