Wednesday, Dec 18, 2002
Wednesday, Dec 18, 2002 |
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By Sandeep Dikshit
The decision to override the voluntary suppression of 50,000 soldiers was taken in September last year in the wake of the Kargil conflict and the Army's increasing role on counter-insurgency duties. Heavier responsibility on these two fronts led to a number of new raisings from 1999 onwards such as additional battalions of Ladakh Scouts and Rashtriya Rifles.
While making this revelation to a Parliamentary committee, the Government admitted that the battlefield scenario demands cut down on manpower cost so as to release resources for more investment in higher technology weaponry. This was the reason for the Army formulating a plan for effecting under-posting of 50,000 soldiers over a period of two financial years till March 31, 1999, covering all units and formations.
While appreciating the committee's recommendation for gradually disengaging the Army from counter-insurgency duties, the Government indicated that this was not likely to happen in the near future. The withdrawal from counter-insurgency operations would hinge, to an extent, on the ability of the paramilitary organisations and police forces of States to fill the void once the Army is de-inducted from internal security duties.
The Parliamentary panel report tabled today charges the Government with only making pious intentions in this regard and advises it to apply itself towards making concrete recommendations. ``It seems that the Ministry has not taken any serious steps to disengage the Army from counter-insurgency operations. Therefore, the committee strongly recommended that the Ministry should chalk out a time-bound plan for the de-induction of the Army involved in counter-insurgency operations, in consultation with the Ministry of Home Affairs.''
The committee makes several sharp observations on the current environment in which the service officers find themselves.
The armed forces select candidates with high IQ level as well as fighting spirit. Candidates having these qualities do not find it an attractive and remunerative career as due to economic liberalisation the cost and standards of living of the people have increased.
Pay and perks have become an important driving factor for selection of a career.
The private sector is prepared to pay attractive salaries while a career in the armed forces appears unattractive, leading to shortages. The Government has taken steps in this direction by considerably improving the pay and allowances recommended by the Fifth Pay Commission.
However, the armed forces have fallen behind the civil service in non-tangible matters such as warrant of precedence. Taking a strong view of the downgrading of the warrant of precedence of the armed forces, a trend which began after Independence, the committee has recommended that the Ministry take firm steps.
Noting that the armed forces personnel sacrifice their lives fighting insurgents/militants in the country or during peacekeeping operations in other countries, the panel mentions the fact that the problems relating to them of their kin are unattended. It urges the Central Government to issue necessary instructions to States to ensure that their problems are attended to by the civilian authorities on a priority basis.
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