Radical measures required

He wants security of service and status commensurate with his qualifications, hazardous duties and selfless service. These are denied to him for two apparently valid reasons. First, a very steep organisational pyramid where, irrespective of merit and capability, as many as 65 to 70 per cent must forgo promotion at every level except the very basic because there are just no posts. Second, the necessity of maintaining a young and physically fit service profile. The proposed increase in retirement age will neither enhance his izzat nor his pensionary benefits. What is required is a more radical and substantive measure which will give a soldier the desired feeling of security and, simultaneously, make the services an attractive career once again.

Even today organisations like Assam Rifles and Rashtriya Rifles are almost exclusively and creditably manned by servicemen. A statutory provision now needs to be made for induction of qualified servicemen in other organisations, though there is bound to be strong resistance which can be overcome by national and political will.