The Trend Setter RM

The Armed Forces looking for courage and commitment from the political leadership have been regularly disappointed since independence. The steady degradation and disregard of the armed forces has now become a standard. One doesn’t know where the flash point is – we would be in danger of grave consequences if the armed forces give up saying, “So be it!”

Hon’ble Raksha Mantri, Smt Nirmala Sitharaman has made a positive move to get close to the armed forces - starting with visits to forward army posts in Nov ’17, through a day on board INS Vikramaditya on 9^th Jan culminating in flying the mighty Sukhoi 30 MKI. This display of commitment would certainly have gladdened the hearts of soldiers.

Some may say that flying a fighter jet within a limited envelope is as safe and comfortable as flying an airliner. Yet, her flying a Sukhoi has been a matter of being with the troops as well as that of courage. If not for that, doesn’t it amaze the nation to know that glamorous cricketers, who have been awarded honorary ranks, have dodged all such offers?

We may recall a similar courageous act on the part of Mr. George Fernandez, who flew an ageing Mig-21 when the fleet was dubbed as “Flying Coffins”.

One should never have any doubt about the fact that politicians have tremendous courage. But for that, they would be doing salaried jobs like us. What doesn’t always match the courage is the conviction and as a consequence the commitment. That is the job of everyone placed under the purview to convince the leader about the reality. That, in essence is the basis of optimism in the armed forces for they see a trace of commitment along with the display of solidarity.

The armed forces would wish her to now proceed to action areas which make a direct impact. In any system all problems originate from one or a few constraints. In the case of armed forces, it simply is “timely procurements and projects’ execution”!

If a Raksha Mantri can ensure that “within the budget constraints, giving due priority to Make in India, armed forces would be given what they need, in time, without being questioned and delayed by those who understand little” – her job is done!

-      So, let her not get run down by the bureaucracy.

-    Every procurement/ modernisation project scheme must have two planned dates of completion (PDCs) boldly marked on the file cover – one for the placement of orders and the other for availability with the fleet.

-       Let the RM periodically review cases, the only yardstick being time to go to PDCs.

-       Begin with a review of all ongoing cases.

-  Assign back to bureaucrats the responsibility for hurdles and delays – solutions will emerge.

The armed forces and citizens of India have high hopes from the current leadership.

Jai Hind!