Soldiers are not Chowkidars; take their lives seriously
In the suicide attack carried out by a terrorist in Pulwama few weeks ago, 40 of our CRPF jawans were killed. We still have not come out of that shock and another incident has been reported from paramilitary camp in Udhampur of Jammu Kashmir on Wednesday night. A CRPF Jawan has shot dead three of his superiors and attempted to kill himself too at the end. It is said that the jawan has a psychological condition that prompted him to do so. Unfortunately our soldiers are causing big damage and killing themselves over complications relating to their mental health. The number of soldiers who kill themselves is higher than the ones that get killed in the warfront, as per a report submitted to the home ministry to the parliamentary committee last year.
In the last six years, more than 700 soldiers have committed suicide in para military troupes in our country. This is the case of paramilitary such as CRPF. But the situation is not any different in defence sector either. Last year alone, 80 soldiers have committed suicide including 8 from navy, and 16 from Army. In 2017, 75 soldiers had committed suicide and 104 had killed themselves in 2016. As per defence ministry data, about 348 soldiers have ended lives between 2014-17 while on duty.
Unfortunately our BSF, CRPF, CAPF, ITBP, SSB and other security agencies lose more men to suicide than in operations. Another concerning issue is many recruited soldiers are quitting service midway even before the completion of their term. For instance about 44,000 men left service either by resignation or voluntary retirement between 2009 and 2012. This has raised some serious questions about internal aspects of our armed forces. Working in such agencies is not the same as working elsewhere. Those men carry the responsibility of the entire nation on their shoulders. It is the responsibility of every citizen to be concerned about their welfare. Every time a soldier kills himself, a possible reason is given. But such issues are not as simple as they seem at the outset.
Senior officers of different defence forces have conducted a study into the matter and have found a few reasons that led the soldiers into such extreme steps. For example: people serving in security forces have to stay far from their families and friends. A normal jawan spends 25 years of his 30 year service period on the line of duty. He gets less than five years to be with his family. To reach home during their month-long holiday takes many days if they hail from remote parts of India. In the next few days, he has to again return to his workplace. Weather is too adverse in places like North East and Kashmir. Mind and body both undergo a lot of uncertainties when serving in such areas.
Jawans and those working under their category do not get any better facilities as the higher officers do. Many people in these forces have a lot of simmering discontentment regarding this. Repeated transfers lead to mental stress. Jawans are angry about the lowly comments and mental torture they have to hear from their seniors. They hate doing personal tasks for their seniors. Promotion hardly comes by and even if a jawan is most diligent, he has to wait at least for 15-20 years till he is promoted. This leads to major feeling of discontentment.
The limitations within security forces are the reason why jawans are subjected to harassment. Government and senior officers have taken up a few reconciliatory steps to fix this disparity. Services of mental health professionals has been sought to address many issues during times when they leave on holiday, come back from home and at the time of their joining. This gives them some solace. Uniforms and food has been improved, and family accommodation is being provided to those who are newly married and been posted by the border. Yoga, sports and entertainment opportunities have been increased. But none of these have brought any solace to the soldiers who feel these are just bare compensation.
At the same time, vacant positions across the army are another reason for increased pressure on soldiers. About 61,000 recruitments are awaited. CRPF needs 18,000, BSF needs 11,000, CISF needs 3,182, UTBP needs 5,786, Sashastra Seemabal needs 18,942, Assam Rifles needs 3,840 posts to be filled up. As of now the soldiers have to cover up for those posts too which have been lying vacant. Hence they face additional work pressure. These posts are to be filled on priority. Staff of security agencies are the ones that guard us with their lives. It is the duty of the country to provide them with proper facilities. Our central government, especially the defence ministry has to do the needful since this is the question of India’s safety.
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Inappropriate for MLAs seeking free IPL tickets, says D.K. Suresh
Bengaluru: Bengaluru Milk Union Ltd President D.K. Suresh on Monday said it is inappropriate for MLAs to seek free IPL tickets, adding that those interested in watching matches should pay for them personally.
Speaking to reporters near his residence in Sadashivanagar, he said, “IPL is a commercial tournament and does not represent the country. It is not right for public representatives to focus too much on such matters.”
Referring to the recent controversy during the RCB celebrations, he said, “let us find out who benefited the most from the statements made during the incident.” He also pointed out that BJP MLAs had received IPL tickets as well.
Responding to discussions about relocating the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Suresh said the government has already approved the construction of a new stadium at a location he had proposed.
“I had suggested building a stadium in Surya City and submitted a proposal for it. Bengaluru needs four stadiums in four directions to cater to its growing population and encourage youth participation in sports,” he said.
He noted that apart from Kanteerava Stadium, KSCA, and the Football Stadium, there are limited facilities in the city.
“When I was a Lok Sabha member, I had proposed allocating 100 acres in my constituency at Surya City. The land was later earmarked and the plan approved,” he added.
Suresh said he has discussed the project with Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation Chairman Shivalingegowda, and Anekal MLA Shivanna.
“The Cabinet has now approved the project, and a stadium will be developed on around 50–60 acres,” he said.
He further added that he has requested the Deputy Chief Minister to build another stadium at Shivarama Karanth Layout through the BDA, where 40 acres have been allocated. Plans are also being discussed to develop a well-equipped stadium in Bidadi.
Commending state government's recent bilingual policy move, Suresh said forcing children to learn three languages could affect their comprehension.
“It is a good decision to make two languages compulsory. Learning a third language should be left to the choice of students and parents,” he said.
Responding to criticism from BJP leaders, he said their tendency is to oppose every decision of the government.
“To please their central leadership, they take a pro-Hindi stance. Instead, they should advocate for the adoption of Kannada in all states,” he said.
When asked about the earlier three-language policy under Congress, he said, “the situation is different now. Today, the focus should be on quality learning. Kannada should remain the primary language, while students and parents can choose an additional language.”
