Honouring Our "Fauji" Heroes: Addressing the Challenges of Resettlement and Rehabilitation for Ex-Servicemen

Examining the systemic shortcomings and societal indifference hindering the effective resettlement and rehabilitation of retired soldiers, and calling for concerted efforts to unlock their immense pot

On the last Army Day, I had created a twitter thread highlighting the plight and predicament of our ex-servicemen, officers as well as jawans, upon their retirement from the Armed Forces of the Union. Today, I re-publish the same as an article on Substack, with minimal editing. Your comments would be most welcome. Also, please do me a favour by circulating it in all the relevant circles, so that this burning but silent issues catches the attention of the maximum number of our citizens.

Tributes to our heroes on the Army Day: On the solemn occasion of #ArmyDay, as we gather to honor and salute the unwavering dedication and sacrifices of our brave servicemen, it is imperative that we also reflect on a pressing concern: the untapped potential and insufficient support for our retired soldiers. While we pay homage to their valor and commitment, we must acknowledge that as a nation, we have fallen short in harnessing their incredible energy and providing them with the necessary tools for a seamless transition into civilian life. It is a disheartening reality that the journey of our ex-servicemen beyond their military service is fraught with challenges, inadequate resettlement, and limited opportunities for rehabilitation. On this day, let us delve deeper into this critical issue and explore how we can collectively work towards rectifying these shortcomings, ensuring that our brave-hearts receive the support they truly deserve.

On the #ArmyDay, all of pay rich tributes to our servicemen. I also do the same. Salute to our Brave-hearts!

1. • However, we as a Nation have failed to harness the tremendous energy and potential of our young soldiers who retire at the age of 35 years, with a meagrely pension.

2. • In spite of the Director General of Resettlement at the level of Government of India and the Departments of Ex-servicemen Welfare in all States, our track record of suitably rehabilitating and resettling our retired jawans remains very patchy.

3. • The retired soldiers, when they return to their home villages, generally encounter an indifferent, if not a hostile, environment. Their agricultural land is perhaps under the possession of their brothers and cousins.

4. • They are quite unused to be sloppy way in which the field offices of the civil administration works in most states. They run from pillar to post, with barely anyone to guide them properly.

5. • They generally land up petty security jobs, through contractors, who extract 12 hours of duty, without payment of overtime, above eight hours. Remember, many of them are formally trained in a number of trades, ranging from automobile technicians to electricians.

6. • Coming to Commissioned Officers, especially those who retire at relatively senior positions, and are in shape “A” health, the scenario is even more gloomy. In most cases, their children are not well-settled. Sometimes, even pursuing their studies.

   

7. • From serving Generals, where their words is law for the soldiers they command— to be implemented and executed without question—they are suddenly thrown into a scenario where your next door “civil” neighbour may be picking up quarrels on petty and flimsy issues.

8. • For most of us, of the problems of ex-servicemen seems to be confined to their demand of one-Rank one-Pension #OROP , for which they are often seen demonstrating at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, over TV channels.

9. • Most political personalities, including Ministers at Centre as well as Chief Ministers continue to pay lip-service to the welfare of ex- servicemen. They may not also miss an opportunity to lay the wreath whenever our Brave hearts sacrifice their life, defending the Nation.

10. • Ironically, on many occasions these political personalities who are in positions of power, holding high elected, constitutional offices, have themselves been ex-servicemen. However, pretty much nothing gets done.

So, on the occasion of #ArmyDay, let’s stop blaming the system and the politicians or the bureaucrats and ask ourselves, what can we do to improve the system?

In conclusion, as we commemorate #ArmyDay and pay tribute to our valiant servicemen, it is crucial that we acknowledge the pressing need for comprehensive support systems that go beyond mere lip service. Let us embrace a future where the energy and potential of our retired soldiers are harnessed, where their skills are recognized and utilized for the betterment of our nation. It is incumbent upon each one of us to actively contribute to this noble cause. By advocating for improved resettlement and rehabilitation programs, by creating awareness, and by extending a helping hand to our ex-servicemen, we can collectively pave the way for a brighter future for those who have selflessly defended our country. Together, let us ensure that their sacrifices and unwavering commitment are truly honored, and that they find a place of dignity and fulfillment in their post-service lives.

Jai Hind!

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KBS Sidhu. The Author is an IAS officer of 1984 Batch of Punjab cadre, and retired from service in July 2021, as Special Chief Secretary, Punjab, after 37 years of service.

The first images is a photo clicked by him; second one off the internet, copyright acknowledged.

He can be reached on kbs.sidhu@gmail.com or @kbssidhu1961 or https://www.facebook.com/kbs.sidhu