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There is shortage of more than 10,000 Officers in Armed Forces.
Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam
Former President of India. - 2007.
Armed Forces are facing acute shortage of Officers, numbering more than 11,000.
Dr. Manmohan Singh
Prime Minister of India. – 2008
Presently there is a shortage of more than 13,000 Officers in Army.
Mr. A K Anthony
Defence Minister of India. – 2009
The above statements and the statistics given by President, Prime Minister and Defence Minister in the successive three years show the policy maker’s attitude towards the Armed Forces. An article in Vijaya Karnataka by an ex-serviceman which was published on 15th August 2009 is an eye opener to right thinking people of this country. It is not too late, concerned authorities can do the needful and bring back everything on the right track at the earliest. The author, Mr.Prakash Kukkila has rightly highlighted the facts and also the apathy towards men in uniform.
It is very surprising to see that the youth of modern India are becoming too less concerned about sensitive and burning issues. I am worried, if this trend continues India may have to face bitter days in near future. The importance given to and the time devoted by the youths towards CRICKET, western music and unhealthy movies are the matter of great concern. The apathy towards Armed forces and paramilitary forces by these educated youths are really worrisome. I have come across few young people who think the men in uniform are meant to die. Normally the young and educated Indians prefer Armed Forces as last choice in the career option.
The working atmosphere, salary and the city of employment matters more than any other issue for a job seeker of the present day. The armed forces are not attractive one due highly disturbed social life and less pay and perks when compared to multinational and city based employments. Selfishness, posh life style and craziness of earning quick buck with least strain are order of the day. These days Patriotism, dedication and discipline are occupying the last bench in our society. Lack of awareness about Armed Force also contributes towards low intake in the forces.
I personally feel that, it requires to do a lot to attract young, energetic, educated and dedicated youth towards the Defence services. As first step, give vast publicity about the services and the opportunities in it. Induce patriotism in youth by showing the movies and serials of our Warriors. Electronic media should play a vital role in motivating the youth in this direction. TV channels may not earn much by this but the nation would certainly be benefited. Highlight the achievements of the personnel in uniform. The world before us is too small. Give sufficient privileges to ex servicemen. Recognize their services in safe guarding the Nation and the technical skill what they have attained while in service.
My bitter experience, after my retirement at the end 20 years of service, the world out side feels that retired soldiers are suitable only for security related jobs. My technical experience did not get proper reorganization for some days. Finally I could succeed in highlighting the technical efficiency and also made the private entrepreneur to feel proud of retired men. So the truth should be brought out to the common people that the armed forces are no less than any good technical, administrative or financial institutes and the men in uniform are no less than any technocrat or managerial person in the private and public sector.
Many retired men do not wish to encourage their siblings to follow their path due to these reasons. The resettlement schemes need to be reviewed. Those who do not own land /site are to be allotted with sites at the place of their settlement. Those PBORs retired prior to 2006 are being given with pension which can not even sufficiently feed two in the family. Even though successive Governments have talked about extending the best possible privileges to ex-servicemen, things are yet to materialize in that direction. I think it would not be a difficult task or won’t cause great financial burden on the nation. The sacrifices of these men should not go vain.
