By LT COL MANOJ K CHANNAN, VETERAN
William Blake
The Indian Defence Forces have a storied history that stretches back thousands of years, spanning numerous wars, skirmishes, and operations. The annals have showcased a saga of bravery, courage, and honour, protecting the nation against foreign invaders and internal threats. Yet, like all large organizations, they are not immune to bureaucratic missteps and internal inefficiencies.
A Commitment to Valor
The valiant acts of the Indian Armed Forces, be it in Kargil or during the Indo-Pak wars, stand testimony to their tenacity and resilience. Their unwavering commitment to duty is showcased in battles against external enemies and humanitarian and rescue operations, like during natural disasters.
The Internal Struggle: Cadre Review, Promotions, and Pay Scales
However, beyond the battlefield, there’s another front where the forces face challenges – internal administrative and hierarchical structures. The cadre review, promotions, and pay scales are as pressing as operational matters, if not more. The allegation that the Indian Armed Forces have only catered to 20% of its officers while letting the remaining 80% languish due to the ‘pyramidal structure’ of promotions is deeply concerning.ALSO READIndian Expands Defence Diplomacy: Strengthening Ties with Africa and Beyond
It’s startling to realize that no cadre review has occurred since 1984. This means a whole generation of officers got commissioned, served with dedication, and retired without witnessing a significant systemic overhaul. Such oversight can demoralize the force, leading to a loss of talented individuals and affecting the force’s operational effectiveness.
Understanding the Pyramidic Structure
The pyramidal structure, as it stands, ensures that only a select few rise to the top ranks, while many capable officers find their careers stagnated due to a lack of promotional avenues. While ensuring that only the best occupy key leadership roles, this structure also means that many dedicated officers don’t get their due. The model isn’t flawed but requires constant reviews to ensure fairness and maintain morale.
Military Leadership and Oversight
While the courage of the Indian Armed Forces is undoubted, the question arises – where did the Generals go wrong? It’s unfair to place the blame solely on them, but as the highest-ranking officers, they hold a considerable responsibility for the well-being and growth of their subordinates. Their primary duty isn’t just towards external security but also internal morale and welfare.
The lapse may be attributed to a combination of factors – an over-reliance on traditional structures, bureaucratic delays, and a possible lack of initiative or awareness about the growing discontent among the ranks.
Way Forward
To rectify this, a holistic review of the cadre system is paramount. This doesn’t just mean promotions and pay scales but also involves training, postings, and other aspects of an officer’s career. Modern militaries worldwide recognize the importance of keeping their officers motivated, with good pay and career growth opportunities, training, and recognition.
Valiant Protectors in a Bureaucratic World
The distinction between the Indian Defence Services and other civil services, including the IAS, IPS, and Class A services, is stark. The nature of their duties, the risks involved, and their service environments are fundamentally different. While all serve the nation in their capacities, the officers of the Defence Forces often find themselves directly in the line of fire, upholding the sovereignty and integrity of the nation.
Leading from the Front
It’s indisputable that the Indian Defence Service Officers lead from the front. Their Killed in Action (KIA) ratio is a sombre testament to their commitment and the perils they face. This is not to downplay the risks that other services might encounter, especially those in areas like law enforcement or internal security, but the sheer magnitude of the risks involved for Defence Service Officers is unparalleled.ALSO READDefence Revolution: Rajnath Singh unveils game changing initiatives for self-reliance at ‘Swavlamban 2.0’
A Complex Interplay of Politics, Bureaucracy, and Defence
There’s a perception, not wholly unfounded, that defence officers are often not given their due, especially compared to their civil service counterparts. This could stem from a combination of political expediency and bureaucratic intricacies. The defence forces, by design, remain apolitical, which can sometimes place them at a disadvantage in bureaucratic negotiations where political considerations might come into play.
The Role of Military Leadership
The leadership of the Defence Forces, represented by the Generals and equivalent ranks in the Indian Navy and Air Force, has a challenging role. They are not just military strategists but also negotiators in the labyrinth of Delhi’s corridors of power. While it’s easy to point fingers at them for perceived lapses, it’s also essential to understand the complexities they navigate.
Yet, there’s merit to the argument that Generals, at times, might not display the same level of aggressiveness in pursuing perks and privileges for their rank and file as their civil counterparts do. Whether this stems from a sense of decorum, a different understanding of priorities, or a perceived lack of moral courage is debatable. Each situation, each negotiation, and each General is different.
Balancing Act
Ensuring that the Defence Forces are adequately rewarded is not just about fairness. It’s also a strategic imperative. A motivated, well-rewarded force is crucial for the nation’s defence. While the intangible honour of serving the nation is a significant motivator, tangible rewards, recognition, and care are equally important.
Cadre Review; Disability Pension vs Impairment Relief
Cadre Review is a pivotal tool in recalibrating a service by evolving organizational needs and the aspirations of its personnel. The emphasis of such reviews lies in optimizing a cadre’s efficiency, morale, and effectiveness. Over the last 38 years, since the last comprehensive cadre review in 1984, there have been significant shifts in the organizational landscape. Understanding the historical context and recent changes introduced by the Revised Entitlement Rules 2023 is essential.
Historical Background
Historically, the Post War Pay Committee (1947) and the Raghuramaiah Committee (1960) underscored the equivalence of Armed Forces Officers with Class 1 (IAS) officers, particularly the IPS. However, this equivalence has eroded over time. While organizations under the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) undergo cadre reviews every five years, the Armed Forces have remained exempt. As a result, Armed Forces personnel experience disparities in promotions and financial benefits compared to their civilian counterparts.
The Revised Entitlement Rules 2023: Key Changes: Shift from Disability Pension to Impairment Relief (IR)
The most consequential change is the transition from Disability Pension to IR. Unlike the earlier pension, which could benefit the family after the pensioner’s demise, IR is strictly limited to the pensioner’s lifespan.
Introduction of Capitalized Impairment Relief (CIR). CIR mandates a one-time lump sum payment, contrasting with the optional nature of pension commutation. This can lead to short-term financial relief but potentially undermine long-term security.
Limited Applicability of Traditional Disability Pension. Under the new rules, the traditional disability pension is strictly confined to cases involving military personnel being invalided out.
Bypassing Legal Oversight. The structure of the new entitlement rules appears designed to evade potential court interventions, suggesting an intent to mitigate legal challenges.
No Provision for Broad-banding. The new rules exclude the broad-banding mechanism, potentially resulting in inadequate compensation for varying degrees of disability.
Concerns & Implications. It’s troubling to see some serving senior officers supporting these changes, as they may affect their post-retirement entitlements. The modifications, while reflecting a possible intent to streamline and update the system, might jeopardize the welfare of our military personnel.
The Revised Entitlement Rules 2023 marks a transformative approach to viewing and managing disability pensions. While change is inherent to progress, it is imperative to discern if these reforms prioritize the welfare of our Armed Forces personnel or introduce bureaucratic complexities detrimental to their well-being. A thorough evaluation and open discourse on these reforms are paramount as we move forward.
Conclusion
The Indian Defence Forces stand as a beacon of bravery and dedication. Their commitment to the nation is unquestionable. However, for the forces to maintain their edge, both on the battlefield and off it, there is an urgent need to address internal structural issues. While the valour against the enemy is commendable, the battle against administrative negligence and outdated practices must be won with equal vigour. As the adage goes, “A chain is only as strong as its weakest link.” It’s time to strengthen every link in the formidable chain, the Indian Defence Forces.
The dialogue between the Defence Forces and the civilian leadership is ongoing. While the Defence Services have unique challenges, it’s essential to ensure that they are not perceived as mere “cannon fodder.”
The valiant sacrifices made by these officers deserve more than just posthumous awards; they warrant systemic changes that ensure that every officer feels valued, respected, and adequately compensated. The onus is on the military leadership and the civilian establishment to bridge gaps and work collaboratively towards the nation’s overarching interests.
The author is an Indian Army Veteran.
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