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| Officers- Men clash in Leh: A wake up call? | | ET Analysis | |
Abodh Sharma
JAMMU, May 13: The incident of clash between the officers and men of a unit in the Army in Leh the previous day has once again raised serious questions on the strict class orientation and compartmentalization within the Army. While the incident is most likely to be swept under the carpet advocating its 'sensitivity', those who have seen Army from close quarters understand that it is time for serious introspection on the loads of British legacy that our Army has carried for decades now.
Men in the Army are trained to be followers. Strict regimentation of training imbibes in them virtues of dedication, regimental spirit and loyalty towards their organization and unit, but it also implies that a jawan has to be loyal and dedicated to the chain of command of his superiors, which comprises an NCO, a JCO, A Company Cdr, (generally an officer of the rank of Captain/ Major) and the 2 I/C and the Commanding officer of the unit. Many would advocate that this kind of regimentation is imperative to keep such a big force as Army under requisite discipline, but the fact of the matter is that the Army has not been able to stop winds of socio-economic change blowing across the country from blowing into its barracks. With the comprehension and level of education of an average recruit joining the Army increasing over the years, Jawans are becoming increasingly conscious of their career prospects, self esteem and their rights. Increased salaries have further added to their economic status, which has directly added on their egos as well.
Under such changed circumstances, the ORs are psychologically not ready to accept petty jobs as Sahayaks (Helpers), who were deputed to assist the senior officers in preparing the large range of their uniforms that they have to support from time to time, but are misused as domestic helps by officers' wives and families. Many nationalchannels have already shown footages of Jawans running errands for the Maimsahibs and accompanying Sahib's pets to their strolls. The Army bosses need to understand that with a Jawan now getting close to 20 grands as starting salary; it makes poor economic sense to use him for such chores.
The incidents of corruption in the Army, involving Generals and other top ranking officers which have been reported extensively in the media, have eroded lot of faith and loyalty that Jawan traditionally had for his officers. He understands that in most cases, corrupt officers have siphoned of funds and facilities meant for them.
All said and done, the easy access of these Jawans to weapons on routine basis makes things dangerous and dicey. It is time the commanders took cognizance of this growing Naxalism within the Army and initiated reforms so that Indian Army could continue to be elite organization that it has been through centuries. |
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