Perform to survive: Why defence production should be corporatised
While defence forces are combating People’s Liberation Army (PLA), in most challenging terrain and hostile weather, its oldest component Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) had decided to go on strike from October 12, at most inappropriate time. Mercifully, strike by 82,000 strong workforce, spread over 41 factories, world’s largest government operated production organisation has been deferred. […]
Restore fauji ecosystem
The top Army leadership is holding its bi-annual conference, concurrently, veterans WhatsApp groups are witnessing unprecedented spewing of venom. There is wide spread apprehension that major drive is underway to take away privileges and so-called perks in the garb of optimisation and economy drive. Self-perpetuating rumours are viral about impending cuts in canteen entitlements, ECHS […]
‘Weed out corruption in officer induction, introduce reforms’
The Selection Centre, North, in Kapurthala has gained notoriety even before its move to permanent location in Ropar. There are strident demands to wind it up, using the analogy of the erstwhile centre in Meerut, which was closed after a major scandal in the 90s. This centre was set up in 2015 to reduce logistical […]
Dealing with gladiator syndrome in Khaki
The current month has been disastrous for the reputation of police forces, with the ongoing sordid drama of Mumbai police, followed by Bijapur ambush. It is more painful as I had the privilege of ample opportunities to not only work with the police but also serve on deputation with AR, the only PMF. In the […]
Reforms need deliberation and piloting
Veteran community is worried and venting angst on proposed major changes under the Tour of Duty (ToD) scheme, packaged as ‘Agnipath’ and ‘Agniveer’. They are also peeved at a modified pension disbursal system, with another catchy name of ‘Sparsh’. In keeping with the American proverb, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”, reforms should be […]