From preventing misuse of CSD liquor and curbing ostentatious functions and sycophancy to removing orderlies deployed for retired senior officers and awarding exemplary punishment for moral turpitude, Army chief General Bipin Rawat has issued a series of directives for strict implementation to his over 12-lakh strong force.
Uploaded as "a summary of directions" on the internal Army Wide Area Network that connects all formations, units and establishments across the country, Gen Rawat's directives have created waves down the ranks in the force as well as the larger veteran community.
PTI
Some argue the measures are required to improve the "internal health" of the Army, even though the force is justifiably proud of its high standards of discipline as well as far lesser corruption and wastage of resources than their civilian counterparts.
But others contend the "not-so-new directives" come at a time when Gen Rawat is facing flak from many in the military community for "succumbing to government pressure" on several fronts, ranging from opening of closed roads in 62 cantonments for civilian traffic to soldiers being deployed for all and sundry tasks like building bridges in cities and cleaning waste left behind by tourists in high-altitude areas.
BCCL
Though such directives in some shape or the other have existed for decades, a senior officer said Gen Rawat was trying to "shake" the entire Army hierarchy out of its "chalta hai" (lackadaisical) attitude with hardly any money being left for new weapon systems due to the ballooning revenue expenditure of day-to-day running costs, pay and allowances as well as the high pension bills. Gen Rawat, in the summary, himself stresses the need for "right-sizing" the Army because the "less liability we have under the salary head, more budget we would have for modernization".
The chief goes on to warn that all those indulging in "corrupt practices" will be "weeded out" irrespective of their rank and stature. "Rising cases of moral turpitude are a matter of concern. Strict punishment, including dismissal without pension, is being given to the offenders," says Gen Rawat.
All regimental and station functions "must be military like without being ostentatious", while officers indulging in "sycophancy with an eye on their careers" need to be identified and those "conducting themselves with dignity" given their due. Soldiers, in turn, must not be tasked for "menial jobs" to maintain their "dignity" at all times.
BCCL
"Misuse of CSD liquor and groceries to encourage profits must be curbed. CSD facility is meant only for authorized persons but even minor units are indulging in profiteering through inflated sales," says another directive.
Turning to declining physical fitness standards, Gen Rawat says the rising cases of disability, life-style diseases and "sudden death" of young soldiers during BPET (battle proficiency endurance test) were downright alarming. "Measures to reduce deep-fried and unhealthy food like puris, pakoras and sweet dishes need to be undertaken and replaced with healthy alternatives acceptable to the troops," he says.