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The Indecent Exposure - Lessons from the OROP Imbroglio
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He/she also questions why is it that the corresponding rise in civil services many times faster? Why is it that he remains and gets the pay of a Colonel at twenty years of service, when his counterpart is already getting the grade of a Major General? Why is it that only the Civil Services are allowed to absorb pay hikes by promoting Additional Officers (in some cases over hundred percent), when despite clearing all promotion boards, he is made to retire in the military as there is no vacancy?
…the post-independence political leadership under Pundit Nehru, vowed that never again would the military be allowed to be ‘all-powerful.’
Admittedly, there are differences in the model and in the organisational requirements, but rather than narrowing the differences, the trend is on widening them, and it is this that irks the serviceman and rubs off on his family.
Widening Chasm between the Civil and the Uniformed Fraternity
The British kept the military insulated from the pulls and pressures of civil life since they wanted a loyal force to enforce their writ on their colony – this was the genesis of the morbid fear of the Pre-independence Indian leadership, something that they could not shake off, even on gaining freedom from foreign oppression.
At the same time, the military, especially the upper rungs of the military class, bred and nurtured in a ‘Bada Sahib’ culture, continued to keep the military politically and socially inured. The Officer Mess culture where discussions on politics and money were taboo, continued, but were not in line with the changes sweeping the nation. Having been born and groomed by these values, it is difficult to say if they were right or wrong, however, as a third generation military man, it certainly kept me distant from the realities of life – something that the military take great pride as it distinguishes them as a ‘class apart.’ Though debatable, there are lessons in this that need to be addressed internally.
On their part, the post-independence political leadership under Pundit Nehru, vowed that never again would the military be allowed to be ‘all-powerful.’ Mr. Nehru even wanted to do away with the military, something that circumstances (Pakistan and China), more than the intent did not allow. Having said that, the underlying fear prevailed, and despite the manifold increase in size of the military, there was progressive chipping away of their status and since the leadership, including the military, facilitated the outrages – inter-service seniority and protocol tipped in the favour of their civilian counter-parts dramatically.
Raksha Mantri implied that the burden of the military was excessive as there has been no war for decades – the very fact that the nation has a united military perhaps has been the biggest reason why there has been no war…
This did not stop with only creating a civil-military divide; it was even encouraged between the uniformed services by obscure shenanigans in the MoD, playing off the Army versus the Air Force, the Air Force versus the Navy and the Navy versus the others and so on. It was this pervading ‘disunity’ that has manifested as lack of ‘jointness’ amongst the services; the same jointness that the Army and the Air Force was proud of – something that had stood them in good stead in the Kashmir War of 1947-48. Any objective study of inter-service jointness would reveal that it has been a downhill slide thereafter, with the possible exception of the 1971 war – a war that had three NDA course mates at the helm. Rather than blaming this on the bureaucracy, the services need to find common ground within.
Gagging of the Media
Paradoxical as it may sound, there was a deafening silence from the media about the OROP, especially in the initial stages of the campaign. Even when there were discussions on the media, the lack of understanding on the subject by leading anchors and their guests on national Television was baffling; worse were the qualities of statements from some military (sic) experts. However, more worrisome was/is the fact that not only was it evident that the media was extremely one sided – leading anchors, including progenies of distinguished veterans questioned the rationale of an ‘internal’ pension parity and justifying ‘how’ and ‘how much’ it will be a drain on the national exchequer. Even the Honourable Raksha Mantri implied that the burden of the military was excessive as there has been no war for decades – the very fact that the nation has a united military perhaps has been the biggest reason why there has been no war, though casualties of servicemen combating terrorists and natural calamities have become an everyday occurrence.
It may not be out of place to record that war casualties of the 1965 and 1971 wars, who were maimed and/ or hospitalised were placed on ‘half pay’ by the same ‘babus’ who had been kept safe from the horrors of war by the valour of the same men. Such has been the apathy of the bureaucracy and because of them – the political masters of the day. Even young Indians would recall the ‘coffin gate’ scam and this was attributable to the same political party that leads the nation today.
Not only has the civil control reigned supreme, but the fact that veterans were allowed to be made out as ‘beggars’ and ‘irresponsible’ citizens in public should have been an affront to the military leadership of the day.
Not once was any explanation sought from the bureaucrats of how the situation was allowed to have come about? On the other hand, party spokesmen only foul mouthed the other party and how only they have the best interests of Ex Servicemen (political constituency) in their hearts – that is understandable as after all, it’s a game of TRP and for currying (political) favours. If objective reporting suffers – so be it.
Having said that, not only is this trend against the fabric of democracy, it is an affront on the intelligence of the people who collectively make this nation. The health of any democracy is gauged by the freedom of the press, and unfortunately in the case of the OROP, not only has the media failed the test, but more importantly, the edifice of democracy of Independent India seems to have eroded and media seems to have become a ‘paid’ service. The less said on the subject – the better, though this is a grave matter and requires deeper introspection.
Selection System for Top Leadership in the Services
The system of civilian control over the military seems to be the most important story from this episode. Not only has the civil control reigned supreme, but the fact that veterans were allowed to be made out as ‘beggars’ and ‘irresponsible’ citizens in public should have been an affront to the military leadership of the day. Adding to the insult was the fact that the three Service Chief’s, in military regalia were made to sit as mute spectators on the high table from where the pronouncement on OROP was promulgated. If the idea was to publically display the solidarity of the Services with the government, it lacked conviction, as they contributed nothing but their presence. On the contrary, it displayed how pliant has the top echelons have become; indeed the very system of selection of Top Military Leadership requires a relook. Military leaders are groomed to win wars for the nations, not to be subservient lackeys. If they and the forces they command fail in war – the nation fails.
If the military loses its self-respect and short charges its own (senior, though retired) leadership, it would be a sad day for the nation.
Conclusion
The chasm that has come between the civil and military is unfortunate. Indeed, if actions were to be seen in perspective, it seems that rather than reaching out and assuaging the grievances, insult was added to the hurt. In the year of celebrating the 1965 War, were veterans and their widows protesting in Jantar Mantar not more important than homage paid on India Gate?
It is also pertinent to reflect on the effect this agitation would have had on the morale of the uniformed rank and file and on their families. Can the anguish of an Old Veteran of ninety-four and his two Veteran Sons from Ludhiana be assuaged? What would be the feeling of his grandson, a serving army officer be when he has been witness to two generations of his own family fighting for honour and dignity?
By making a politically neutral military ‘politicised.’ another nail has been driven in the coffin. Ex-servicemen factions, with political backing or otherwise, were seen squabbling with each other. The spectacle of factions chorusing how the other side was peddling interests for petty gains was indeed a tragedy. If the military loses its self-respect and short charges its own (senior, though retired) leadership, it would be a sad day for the nation.
If a glass pane cracks, one may be able to piece the pieces together, but no amount of effort would make it whole again. The question that should bother all Indians in the light of this painful OROP episode is that: ‘has the glass pane cracked.’ If it has, it would be disastrous! If it has not, genuine efforts to bridge the gap should be made. I for one am an eternal optimist, and so are many Indians, and I am sanguine that with wisdom and sagacity from the top, we can collectively overcome this divide – if we fail, we fail as a nation.
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14 thoughts on “The Indecent Exposure – Lessons from the OROP Imbroglio”
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whilst thousands of officers and ranks have sat at jantar mantar what gain and what was lost . The widows , the aged ranks , officers and others deserve the OROP, the politicians and devious babus have b etrayed the parliament and both houses where orop was passed and accepted . many thousands like me who remain aloof and watched from sidelines felt the pain of seeing the armed forces pride go down the drain with each passing day as veterans , widows , famlies and exservicemen sat on the dharna . A invisible arrow pierced the hearts of all serving and retired . whilst the deserving old folks will gain a few thousand rupees to make old age a bit less difficult the armed forces lost 350 years of elan , pride , and respect of serving and retd including the civilans watching from side lines . THE NETA BABU BUSINESSMENN combine hate the armed forces and time the armed forces align their policies and tradein with the nations thieves .The serving senior ranks and chiefs were made to look like unichs in uniform cheating the retd whilst the OROP was being announced . The serving solder sailor airmen jawan and highly intelligent officers were convinced these stars and stripes cannot look after their interests . The nation has lost the x factor which wins wars .
Satbir and gang should tell the truth about VRS. Satbir now I tell you what you should say. You went to the MoD and met an official with your delegation. Everything was discussed and it was decided that the Defence Minister alongwith three Chiefs will roll out the OROP. You said that you wanted a graceful exit from Jantar-Mantar and your agitation must be seen as successful. Accordingly, it was decided to add an innocuous term VRS. You said that after the press conference you will raise objection on the issue and by night you would ask for another meeting, and then claim victory for the OROP. That is why after the press conference you all started feedings sweets to each other at Jantar-Mantar.
When some people contacted you on VRS, you chillingly said: “Oh! Don’t worry it’s a minor problem and will be sorted out by tonight”. But the political class turned out smarter. Mr Modi next day took a Metro ride and had arranged for some senior faujis in medals and caps. In a public rally from the dais he spent good two minutes to dispel the doubts about VRS. He went to the extent of saying that if anybody deserves OROP the most it is the people who have gone on PMR (Pre-Mature Retirement), as they help the armed forces to remain young. When he announced this, I rang up your people and they were so incensed that why Modi did not follow the script and let Satbir announce it.
So now you are riding another campaign of falsehood because your game is up. Satbir, 46% of the people, i.e. beneficiaries of OROP are PMRs. So how does the figure then come to 8,000 to 10,000 crores. Without the PMR, it should be 4,000 to 5,000 crores. So stop fooling the people at the behest of AAP and the ISI. Narcotics money cannot keep your afloat forever.
Excellent article. But most of the heat and dust raised remains confined within the fauji fraternity.
Biggest gain has been whether in uniform or out of it everyone has got educated about the issues involved which earlier it was not part of the conciousness.
Pain has been the inability to draw in support or concern and sensitise the society.
Totally agree with you Anurag. We need to reach out-explain and seek support for the cause.
Excellent article Cheema. Hope the Politicians & Bureaucrats are able to understand otherwise we will be doomed as a nation.
Thanks TJ. A shot in the dark. Hope it makes some difference somewhere.
A very well written article which brings out the relationship between men in uniform and civilians.Besides what has been enumerated in the article I feel major chunk of the fault lies with the “MEN WHEN IN UNIFORM”. After hanging the spurs all 1 * to 4* have been talking about Difficulties in performing Duty ,Honour, Respect, Perks,Facilities ,Deficiencies,Widows,Sacrifices,Protecting the Nation,Natural Calamities etc the list goes on , but when they could DO something they all had modified the Nursery Rhyme–Ba Ba black sheep, have you any wool? Yes Sir Yes Sir Three bags full !! Two for you and one for me, NONE for the guy who cries down the Lane.So why cry Now?The time is NOW. Before more damage is done to this ELITE organisation the people who have say should unite and force these Bureaucrats and Politicians who can not even differentiate between the front and rear of a Tank to change the TERMS and CONDITIONS of people serving in Defence Services and incorporate them in SEVENTH PAY COMMISSION so that the next lot does not suffer.
Well these are my personal views .Though I am not as learned as the author but I tried to pen down what I felt while staying with the civilian counterparts for past FIVE years after I hung my Spurs !!
Thanks Vinod Sir. As always-you speak from the heart. Regards
The article puts forth frank views in most comprehensive and succinct manner. A big kudos to the author who has articulated views of thousand through these columns.
The stellar role of the Ex Servicemen and the villainous part played by the Babus in the back ground with political leaders in this episode of OROP is a watershed event. It is etched of in the history of the Indian Army. Two very important markers are evident (I) very craftily , the babus have manipulated the results against the Indian Armed forces in this incident. (ii) driven a wedge between the civil and military relationship – divide and rule on the counter which existing albeit expressed discreetly. This came out to the fore due to case of manipulating rank pay in 6CPC AND subsequent implementation regarding as on and wef.
The impact will be far reaching. The man in the front will NOT be fighting like the way before . This is a very breathing and thinking world today . The indian fighting machine -the Jawan will also note 80% fighting spirit left in him . This political leaders will not understand who are clever with the use of words and resources at their disposal. So political leadership had to take cognisance or the nation is DOOMED.
The chasm created can not be gapped. And it is sad that it has been writ by the govt which claimed to be more patriotic than others. Political leadership also needs to cautious that after this , they have dried up their reserve of strength in the making of India. Economy can be sustained only when there is peace.
Sad state of affairs Rajeshwar. Unfortunately, the values and priorities of politicians and babus is totally different from ours. We talk of honour and dignity-they seek oppurtunities to cut us to size. We believe in secularity and nation building-they believe in divide and rule. We believe in putting the bation and our men first-they believe in putting themselves first. We, my friend are living in make belief world-they believe un in the real-exploitable world. Why blame them alone-even our seniors who grew up with the same values have forsaken them. Rejoice my friend-we have fallen in the hole dug in front of us with our eyes fully open. Take Care
The OROP saga has exposed the guile of the bureaucracy. Bureaucrats have proved and exposed to be self serving and prevaricators par excellence. They tend to create a system that serves their ilk well. The politicians know it but turn a Nelson’s eye to use them to aggrandize themselves. Mutual convenience with connivance. I don’t wish to attribute these adjectives to all. But I appeal to all the right thinking bureaucrats to do a bit of introspection. You are bestowed with the wherewithal to deliver and correct the system.
Once, I had to write to the Director of the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration, Mussoorie with a plea to nurture bureaucrats with spine and character. He was very concerned.
I wish the article put the entire episode in perspective. Brig Amar Cheema would do great service, if an article on OROP is published with all the details, now and today. The public at large and the press in particular get to understand the deep rooted anomalies fostered by the bureaucrats – service parity issues, Koshiyari Committee findings and how they arrogated all the benefits to themselves at the cost of the principle of administration in all fairness.
Rao Sir. The malaise is too deep rooted. Sample this. All civil counterparts ensure that they retire with Apex Scale by invoking NFU. As someone of a batch reaches the top most scale-the benefit is passed on to the entire batch. This Apex scale is inured against changes-hence is OROP through the backdoor at the highest level. Our top brass is also in league. Beyond me but it would be informative to learn pension scales of say 2014 civ batch and say 2004 batch. Regards
Hope military continues to remain apolitical.
WOW and awsm review.. thanks