Jawans must be taken care of; and discipline too
The allegations made by a Border Security Force (BSF) jawan about the poor quality of food served to the lower ranks of the BSF personnel, are too serious to be brushed aside. It's good that the Government has taken note of the video which the jawan posted, relating to sub-standard food and also of shortage of edibles, especially for personnel posted along the borders. While the BSF has given its report to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, it's unlikely that it will have admitted to its shortcomings. Indeed, there are reports of the BSF top brass rubbishing the claims and stating that the food quality was as per rules laid down. But now, since the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) has taken cognizance of the matter, the issue cannot be brushed under the carpet. The Home Ministry's report now goes to the PMO. There have been attempts to dilute the subject the jawan has raised, with certain authorities claiming that the person had a history of erratic conduct; a few even said he was not of stable mind. As for the first accusation, even if it is true, there are internal mechanisms within the BSF to deal with such matters, and it is for the organisation to handle it appropriately. It cannot be juxtaposed with the case in hand. So far as the charge of mental instability is concerned, it is worrisome that the authorities have still kept him in sensitive positions, in case the accusation is true. The jawan's wife has pointedly remarked that, if indeed her husband was of unstable mind, why had he been given arms in his line of dutyIJ While the PMO has to take all these issues into consideration while giving directives, what remains foremost are the allegations the soldier made. They don't relate to just him individually, but impact all personnel of the BSF. It's unacceptable that our jawans, who are tasked with the responsibility of securing our borders, are not even supplied basic quality food. The reputation of mess (or canteens) managed by our paramilitary forces as well as the Army isn't glowing, to say the least. It must be kept in mind that in the past too, various reports have emerged of not just poor food but also inadequate and low quality gear like shoes and rainwear. We have seen in the past that every time an issue of this nature comes into the media domain, authorities offer assurances of corrective measures, but little is done thereafter.
Besides, there are other matters that need attention. There have been many instances in the past where uniformed personnel, often stressed due to excess workload or having failed to get leave despite several petitions, end up killing themselves and/or their colleagues. The latest incident happened on Thursday, when a Central Industrial Security Force jawan shot four seniors because he had been denied leave. While denial of leave is no reason to gun down colleagues, the stress factor must be addressed.
However, justifications apart, there is the cardinal issue of discipline that cannot be compromised. Personnel of the Armed Forces and the paramilitary forces are bound by certain codes of conduct. Attempts to discredit their organisations in the public should not be taken lightly. What if the allegations turn out to be falseIJ The damage is already done.