Still living in the Colonial Times

Last weekend, I was driving down to Pune accompanied by my father and on the way I saw something which left me with a whole herd of why’s and how’s in my mind. In fact what I wish to express my opinion about this knowing that it can invoke serious irk from a lot of people who guard our national interests.

It is not unusual that there are cars ahead of you which either being owned by a politician or his family members travelling, some central government officer or just someone trying to throw his weight around to be excused from paying the toll for the road. There have been cases where toll booth operators have been injured for just doing their job well and demanding proper documentation towards the exemption. It has always baffled me on how low can some people stoop to evade a toll of Rs. 195 for a car in an era where a litre of petrol costs upwards of Rs. 80.

So this time, when I saw a card being flashed out from a SUV ahead of me, it didn’t take me by surprise. While his appeal was rejected and he paid the toll, what was surprising though the reason he was seeking an exemption: Ex-Army. I could not ignore the smirk the toll booth operator had on his face; it was as if saying, ‘Just about everyone will flash some card to claim he’s exempted’. Which brings me to a pertinent question- why are our armed forces a privileged lot? Why should a well off ex-army try his luck to evade a petty toll?

Lets face it, anyone in the armed forces enjoys a special waiver on anything ranging from a soap bar to a family car. Most of their accommodation areas are from the colonial era; even the recent ones are built to a scale that is much higher than a regular apartment. If at any place they are unable to get accommodation in their own premises, the government has places available to them on rent less than a postal envelope. They have their own schools, waiver of fees in aided private schools and a special quota for their wards across all colleges and professional courses.

Salaries for the people in the armed forces are as per the rank and cadre (I guess the Pay Commission lays out the salary band); but there are special considerations for people having a posting in certain areas or on the border. I am not sure if they need to pay income tax on their salary and if the special considerations attract FBT. (Better clarity on IT rules sought)

Bottom line; I feel our armed forces are a pampered lot; so much so that one even after the end of service likes to throw his weight around. I’m pretty sure the best argument to counter my feeling is going to be ‘We guard the borders and are the reason you sleep at peace every night. We are away from our families on a day you are celebrating festivities. We have deserving to earned the privileges.’

I do not have anything against anyone who will say this to me as each and every word is correct. My only complaint- while I agree to the fact that every facility, privilege has been endowed to the fact that the armed forces stand prepared to lay down their life for the country, why are the para military and state police in such shambles?  Why are the Police line housing quarters a sign of degenerated and neglected state assets thriving in the unhealthiest conditions? What denies the children of the Police and Paramilitary the same quota in colleges and professional courses? How is a CRPF or State Police jawan patrolling in Gadchiroli or Balaghat less in his deeds to face the Naxals?

The answer I believe lies in the origins of the Indian armed forces and the Police and paramilitary. The British Colonial Rule in India was established on the might of its army and naval power. The local Indian princes employed against each other to reign supreme while paying a hefty sum to the British. In due course, the local armies were relegated towards policing within the kingdom while external security went into the hands of the British. Some like the Police force in Mumbai were local militia under the Bhandari’s which got formalized after 1857. All the high ranking officials in the Police were British and objective of all of the local policing agencies was managing the local people and crimes. The Army thereby remained exclusive to manage greater affairs.

The disparities that originated in the colonial times continue even today. The armed forces are given an allowance for posting on a border front or sensitive area, this was in fact an offer to lure British officers to take up assignments in India (otherwise considered a difficult place for people to have home and settle in). The Armed forces have exclusive clubs and golf courses while the Police lack even basic facilities at times.

You still believe I am harsh about the conduct of the ex-army guy trying to push his luck at the toll. Try this- a retired army officer will still demand being addressed as Captain, Colonel, Brigadier, etc; ever heard anyone being called Inspector, ACP or Commissioner once they retire? Reason- you are civilians and we are the armed forces. We have earned it. Fair, but isn’t your achievement as a defence personnel dependent on arms, satellites, technology and efforts of a civilian? The manner in which the armed forces distinguish their superiority is something the colonist would have been proud of.

My closing comment; why 67 years after the end of the colonial rule, we have not yet realized the equal worth of human life dedicated to the nation in two different moulds. Why a cop who is standing  for 12 hours under the sweltering heat to clear traffic, chasing petty thugs, offering security cover during festivities less valued than a jawan standing at a border post away from his family? When valour from both can earn the same Ashok Chakra; why can there not be equality when it comes to the life and facilities they get?