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Army's clear and present danger: Officers quitting
Published on Fri, Jun 06, 2008 at 23:09, Updated on Sat, Jun 07, 2008 at 00:01 in Nation section
Tags: Indian Army, Officials , New Delhi
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New Delhi: The Indian Army is battling a crisis: Officers quitting or opting for early retirement.
More than 800 Army officers put in their papers in the first five months of this year. This is alarming, as in the whole of last year a total of 1,100 officers put in their papers.
The dramatic increase in the number of officers waiting to leave comes after the Sixth Pay Commission’s recommendations on salaries were made public.
The military’s top brass has shot down the recommended salary hikes, but even before the commission’s recommendations were made public Army headquarters was receiving an average of five resignations a day.
Of those who have opted for early retirement, 400 are lieutenant colonels, 200 colonels and 150 officers of rank Major and below. Among those asking for premature retirement, majority are middle rung officers who are critical in the Army’s command structure.
The Army has already had to let 300 of these applicants hang up their uniforms, so far this year.
These officers are critical for the Army for they command battlefield units.
Poor pay is forcing many soldiers to pursue a more lucrative career in the private sector.
It is a sign of troubled times ahead specially when the number of resignations are compared to the figures of 2007. Last year, out of 1,100 officers who sought premature retirement, 550 were released.
Major Amar Kwatra left the Army after nine years of distinguished service. A fourth generation in the Defence, a Sena Medal to his name and several counter insurgency operations later, Amar believes he has done his bit.
“We never joined for the money. We joined for respect. However, you do want a lifestyle. If I want to send my child to a public school, I can’t afford it on a Major’s salary,” says Amar Kwatra.
Meanwhile it is this point the Chiefs of all three Indian services have been stressing to the political class. Already 11,000 officers short, the Army is feeling the pinch with every man.
It seems only speedy measures from the government, redressing grievances will be able to retain its Army officers.
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The Deccan Chronicle Newspaper published on 18 Jun 2008 from Hyderabad.
Quote
“Army may restrict premature retirements
New Delhi, June 17: Hit by
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Army officers quitting in fact does not cause the Political class any upheaval!They are busy in making India and themselves
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Dear Sir,
I agree with the contents of the article.
I however feel,its not just the sixth pay commission which is the
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We have to give the army its due but there has to be a willingness and passion for people to
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We have to give the army its due but there has to be a willingness and passion for people to
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