A new proposal by the Parliamentary Standing Committee has recommended the mandatory five years military service to those who are seeking state/ central level government jobs. As per the reports, the parliamentary panel wants the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) – a wing of government that reports to the Prime Minister – to prepare a proposal in this regard and take this up to the Centre.
The panel believes that five years of compulsory military service for those seeking govt jobs will also make up for the shortage of personnel in the armed forces. The Indian Army has a shortage of 7000 officers and over 20000 men. The Indian Air Force faces a shortage of 150 officers and 15000 men. Likewise, the Indian Navy also is short of 150 officers and 15000 men.
The central government alone has over 30 lakhs employees with the Indian Railways, while the state governments employ about another two crore people.
The panel believes that in this way central and state government services also get enriched with the disciplined staff and the alarming issue of shortage in armed forces will be resolved. The committee desires that issue must be given priority as it is related directly to the national security.
Earlier the committee has also asked the Ministry of Defence to push with the DoPT with more vigour and earnestness. Apparently, the Ministry of Defence has not taken up the matter with due seriousness.
