For some years in the past we are told that there is shortage of officers and ORs in all the three branches of our defence forces especially in the army. The Defence Minister has come out with figures of shortage both officers and ORs in the three services. It is not a happy picture. The Defence Minister has suggested some remedial measures to overcome the shortage but what is more important is to know the reason for shortage. It has to be remembered that our country does not have any rule of conscription and there are no compulsory rules that students at a particular age should render some years of service in the armed forces. Recruitment to armed forces services is free and optional. This should encourage the youth to join the army. Though of course from Cadet Corps provides good scope for young students to join the defence forces but these days there is much craze for technical and skilled jobs which are easily available on account of vast expansion of information technology and other branches of scientific learning. But in our country there are thousands of families that have great reputation of having produced great soldiers and they are proud of their past. These families still maintain the tradition. Nevertheless, the fact is that the Defence Ministry needs to come out with a comprehensive and more attractive package for the youth by way of incentives so that they are attracted to the defence services. Some new features have been added but perhaps there is more need to make the armed forces service more attractive. Some segments of civil service or industries as well as corporate houses should also provide reservations for larger number of retired soldiers and officers. Their emoluments and pensioner benefits etc. also need to be given a hike. In no way should our soldiers feel inferior to other services in terms of service rules and facility.
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