M A I L B A G

Ways to check suicides in the Army

V S. Jafa’s article, “Suicide in the Army” (Aug 17) was timely. On Defence Minister A.K. Antony’s advice, the Defence Institute of Psychological Research has done a report on the causes of suicides in the armed forces. Its major findings are noteworthy. First, the report wants the officers, JCOs and jawans to build up interpersonal ties. Secondly, jawans should be given leave on request. Thirdly, the zero-error syndrome must go. And finally, the state governments should take care of the welfare of the serving soldiers’ families. The report excludes the salary aspect of the soldiers in anticipation of a better deal by the Sixth Pay Commission.

Officers and JCOs must be firm but friendly with their subordinates. If a jawan applies for leave, it should be considered favourably as he deserves rest from time to time. The state governments should look after the welfare of the serving soldiers’ families. For example, though a captain’s water correction was sanctioned two years ago, he is yet to get it. Similarly, a small hamlet with 20 decorated soldiers, serving and retired, have been requesting a metalled road for long but in vain.

Col JASWANT SINGH CHANDEL (retd), Kalol

II

High standards of discipline, physical and mental robustness of soldiers, dedication to duty and strong bond between the officers and the jawans are some of the strong organisational fundamentals of our armed forces. Lately, these fundamentals have come under pressure as highlighted by Lt-Gen Baljit Singh, Lt-Col Bachittar Singh and V. S. Jafa in their respective articles.

This is a serious development and there is need for urgent course corrections. The Army must explore ways to further strengthen its organisational fundamentals. The government should show strategic vision in removing all the grievances, known and perceived, promptly.

On their part, the state governments must advise their administrative units to handle all the problems of the dependents of serving soldiers on priority with a human touch. The aged parents and spouses of the soldiers have become very vulnerable in the fast changing social environment.

Commander D.S. RAI (retd),Ludhiana

III

V.S. Jafa has delineated the jawans’ problems and the reasons for increasing number of suicides. Our jawans are poorly paid. To reduce their mental stress, they must be rotated from operational areas to peace stations where accommodation should be given to married jawans. Things will improve if they are allowed to stay with their families and attend to their children’s education and other social commitments.

Equally important is the flow of communication between men and officers which is missing today. Superior officers are generally indifferent towards the problems of the men back home and are almost impervious to attending to their requirement of leave and attending to their domestic problems.

However, the complaint that the officers abuse and humiliate their jawans is far from truth. Camaraderie, the byword of the defence services, must be kept alive.

Major BALDEV SINGH (retd),Ambala Cantonment

IV

In his article, V.S. Jafa has examined the causes of the increasing number of suicides in the Army. This disturbing trend could be checked if the officers do serious introspection. We should tackle the problem at the source.

Today, officers show lackadaisical attitude towards the soldiers’ welfare. They must be humane and receptive to the problems of those in the lower rung of the ladder. The state governments too should sympathetically understand their problems and redress them on priority.

Col R.S. GURUNG (retd),Kandrori (Kangra)

Faulty system

Punjab’s education system is faulty. When Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal had a discussion with high officials, they suggested increasing the school timings. At present, Punjab government schools work from 8 a.m. to 2.30 p.m. (in summer) and from 9 a.m. to 3.45 p.m. in winter.

Consider how public schools are giving best results by working from 8 a.m. to 1.20 p.m. and from 9 a.m. to 2.20 p.m. Increasing school timings, particularly in the primary section, is not the right solution. The Education Minister should take steps such as providing good buildings with power generators and adequate staff for ensuring quality of education.

RAJESH KUMAR, Ludhiana

Welcome, but…

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has recently issued a directive to the effect that a school teacher can be jailed if she calls a student stupid, mindless, raps on the knuckles, makes the child run on the school ground, asks them to kneel down or stand up for long hours. This is a welcome step and was long overdue.

School children now ask their teachers whether they have read this report in the newspapers. I have also studied in an excellent co-educational residential public school. We never had any ill-will towards our teachers if they made us run or take dictation. In fact, we cherish those moments now.

I appeal to NCPCR Chairperson Shantha Sinha to also take care of teachers’ rights. What should a teacher do if a child does not listen to her, humiliates her, doesn’t do his/her work or makes fun of her?

SUMI SHARMA, Solan (HP)