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Overreach of the Army Chief

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November 09, 2017

What is the issue?

  • Army General Bipin Rawat has been speaking out of turn on many critical issues.
  • This has potential consequences for the Army’s institutional autonomy and its perceived political neutrality.

What are some of his excessesive statements?

  • Awarding Cariappa - General Rawat had publicly recommended Field Marshal Cariappa for a Bharat Ratna.
  • Such remarks are not in good taste as an army chief isn’t expected to make such personal recommendations in public forums.
  • Even if it was a collective army demand, it should’ve been made through a personal letter to the Rastrapathi Bhavan.
  • Sensitive Statements - He compared stone-pelters in Kashmir to terrorists in an interview.
  • Such statements also could potentially sabotage the tag of political neutrality that the forces enjoy.

Why is institutional autonomy critical?

  • Excessive political interference in public institutions has decayed their autonomy considerably.
  • Over the years, at both Central and state levels, many government departments have become mere extensions of the party in power.
  • Election Commission, RBI, the Supreme Court and the Armed Forces are among the few institutions that have survived intact.
  • But here too, their functional autonomy is on display only if headed by people of principle and courage.
  • Lack of moral courage or the lure of a post-retirement job have sometimes led people to uphold the agenda of their political masters.

How has Army’s autonomy fared?

  • While some officers have been known to have political loyalties, most chiefs of army staff have carefully stayed away from politics.
  • Among those who admirably upheld the traditions of office and political neutrality of the forces was General T.N. Raina
  • He firmly stood his ground during the challenging times of emergency and its aftermath.
  • Most chiefs of army staff have eschewed public commentary on issues as a conscious move to stay clear of sensationalism.  
  • It is hence important to reign in our current Army General to preserve the sanctity of the institution.
  • Notably, it’s the non-political nature that differentiates our forces substantially from the Pakistani Military.

 

Source: Indian Express

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