After the US, Russia and China, India is the largest military power in the world. In terms of manpower, she is only next to China and the US, with 13, 25000 olive green regulars on rolls. Add to it the Para-militaries like CRPF, BSF, ITBT, and the State Police Force etc. India has the second place in terms of militarized man power. It appears a very large establishment no doubt. But it has also to be remembered that India is the second largest populated country in the world after China. Imagine what should be the strength of Indian armed forces if China, which has only a fraction more of population than what India has, is maintaining an army of 22, 85000 soldiers. By this standard India should have an army of at least few lakhs more than what she has at present? Man power of a country has to be accounted for in terms of its population besides other things.
The Defence Minister, while replying to questions on the floor of the Parliament said that India has a shortage of 9,845 officers in her armed forces. This is a disturbing situation. Keeping in mind the vulnerability of our borders on the east and west, the spread out of war machine like roads, cantonments, garrisons, nuclear establishments, and clandestine terrorist and training camps etc. by our closest neighbours, India needs drastic reorientation of her defence potential and preparedness. In fact in terms of size, weaponry, equipment, infrastructure, training and logistics of our defence forces we need new thinking and planning. We need to think about resources we can harness to build adequate defence potential as per the requirement on the ground. The way in which China is encircling us with enormous military establishment that includes network of border roads, airfields, railways and communication systems along the border with Tibet to our east and Gilgit and Baltistan to our north and the entire Indian Ocean sea-line in the south warrant that we bring about drastic change in all aspects of our border security and defence establishments. For this, we have to harness indigenous resources as well as seek assistance from friendly countries.
In this context our country should focus attention on the prestigious institution of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and equip it fully and expressly for developing military hardware indigenously. We have to find ways of reducing dependence on purchase of heavy defence weaponry and material from foreign countries. Once we make a resolve, we should be able to reach that stage. Our huge defence purchases have not been only sapping our financial resources but unfortunately have also become the biggest source of promoting corruption in which not only senior defence echelons but also even the peoples’ representatives are involved. We all know the story to which we allude and hence no need of repeating it. But what we need to do is to plug the gap as much as we can. This does not mean that our defence; purchases policy should come to an abrupt end over night. No, that is not going to happen but the policy should be to have not only the defence products but also the technology. At the same time, scientists and technocrats in technological and engineering institutions in the country should be provided full facility of streaming their skills through interaction with the like ones outside the country to reach the stage of excellence. The spirit of nationalism and patriotism has to be inculcated as is done by the Chinese.
In regard to shortage of officers in our armed forces and the police services, various schemes mentioned by the Defence Minister have been floated that would be an incentive to our youth to join active services of the country. These are all appreciable measures and hopefully the Government will ensure that the schemes are implemented with positive results. But apart from this, we think that defence forces have to rebuild their image in the eyes of Indian citizens. Nothing should be done that may obliterate the great sacrifices which our armed forces are making in protecting country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. It overshadows the heroic deeds of our soldiers and officers in war against terrorism in Kashmir and elsewhere in the country. It is highly desirable that the Defence Ministry collaborates with the Ministry of HRD in introducing the heroic saga of Indian defence forces in the curriculum in schools, colleges and universities. History books for students at all levels should carry one full chapter on glorious contribution of our armed forces in the defence of the country and in peace keeping efforts when called upon by the United Nations. Let our youth develop the sentiment of pride and dignity in choosing active service as their profession. In due course of time more facilities will be provided and more incentives will be contemplated in the case of our armed and police forces. But motivation should come formerly schooling. Apart from that the Defence Ministry should prepare a roaster of such families in the country as have been taking soldiering as their hereditary profession for their youth. Such families should be honoured and given adequate encouragement and facilities to prepare their young boys and girls for defence services. Known snags in recruitment, posting and promotion should be plugged to create a healthy image of active service. National Cadet Corps should be revitalized to infuse the spirit of active service among our youth.
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