Harsha Kakar
2017 has commenced,yet the damage done to the military in status and degradation in 2016 refuses to die down. Two incidents in the latter part of last yeardominated social media, apart from the controversy arising from the appointment of the new army chief. The first was the judgement given by the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) directing the Government to implement Non-Functional Upgradation (NFU) in respect of the military. NFU has already been granted to the IAS and other allied services, including the IPS, however, alluded the military and Central Armed PoliceForces (CAPF). The CAPF had won a court case in the Delhi High Court on its implementation in Sept 2015, however it has been appealed against in the Supreme Court by the home ministry. It is quite likely that the military would suffer the same fate, as the Government, in its release of the pay commission had initially equated the military with the CAPF.
The Governments logic that command and control issues would get affected by its implementation and lead to indiscipline in the CAPF appears far-fetched. If those responsible for commanding the force do not fear such issues and recommend its implementation, then bureaucrats and politicians being too far removed suddenly realizing this, appears illogical. Granting it to one group, while denying the others is clearly discriminatory on the part of the Government. The fear of equating all services including the elite one’s is unacceptable to those close to the seat of power.
The second incident was the written reply submitted by the minister of state for defence SubashBhamre to a question by Mr Chandrasekhar in the Rajya Sabha on lowering of status of the armed forces based on a direction issued by the MOD on 18 Oct. He stated that no further action is being taken on the subject, as the instructions were for assigning duties and responsibilities with respect to Armed Forces Civil Services Officers (AFCSO) posted to service HQs. This adds to functioning woes already existing in service HQs and establishments where civil and military personnel work together, where due to implementation of NFU and seventh pay commission award to other civil services,they now claim superiority in pay brackets, though lower in designation and hence are unwilling to accept directions from their superior military officers. In simple terms, it conveys a message that while the military standing has not been lowered, the civil services positions have been upgraded by a notch. A government which claims to care for its military continues to degrade it, while seeking credit for its successes. The first insult was the pay commission, where the military was the only service to be downgraded in status, the second was reduction in allowances, while the third was reduction in disability pensions. In every case, the military was reduced in status and standing while that of the bureaucracy and IPS was progressively enhanced. This action was kick started by the pay commission headed by the anti-military Justice Mathur. Itappeared to bea planned action to bring the military down in stature,while it controls increased hostility from across the border. It is however unable to win internal battles with the bureaucracy and polity.
The military element of the pay commission is yet to be announced as it remains with an anomalies commission, due to a strong stand taken by the service chiefs. Their stand, despite pressure from the Government, saved the military from the embarrassment of being downgraded to its lowest level since independence. It is a year since the commission was to be implemented, however there is no indication of even a likely schedule of announcement. It is only enhancing the divide within the military as most of the anomalies pertain to the officer class, however, the entire service bears the brunt.
The election schedule has been announced, post which the code of conduct has been enforced, further delaying implementation. Hence the release of the amended pay commission has been held up till mid-March, at the earliest. The allowances remain with another commission, again for which no likelyearly release is expected. This may see the light of day, as civil services are equally affected and can threaten the Government with a general strike. Their very mention of a strike has the Government panicking, while a disciplined military’s complaints and requests hit a road block as itremains a disciplined branch of the Government.
The veteran community continues to be up in arms against the Government for its partial implementation of the OROP. The Reddy commission report, already submitted to the Government, remains under study, even after three months. It is also unlikely to be announced in any near future. This may compel the veterans to again recommence their agitation, which was suspended on Government request. Such an action would hurt the Government, as it would gain media coverage and national sympathy, just when elections are around the corner. If the suicide by one veteran resulted in a political slugfest, then a prolonged agitation would hurt the Government. The only silver lining for the military has been an enhancement in the ex-gratia compensation for casualties during active service.
The present Government action of delaying approving the genuine dues of the military, impacting its status, compelling veterans to launch agitations and yet seeking to indicate that it truly understands their demands are bound to rebound in the forthcoming polls. Government deeds and verbal announcements are poles apart. The military has been hit below the belt, where it hurts. It is every Government’s responsibility to ensure high morale within the armed forces, after all, it is the ultimate element of power of the nation, however by its deeds, it appears to be doing just the opposite.
(The author is a retired Major General of the Indian Army)
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