New Delhi: Asking the armed forces to shed the legacy system and practices, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday called for enhancing indigenisation in the national security system, not just in sourcing equipment and weapons but also in the doctrines, procedures and customs practised in the three services.
Addressing the top commanders of the three services at the Combined Commanders Conference in Gujarat’s Kevadia, Modi also called for a holistic approach, focused on breaking down of civil-military silos and on expediting the speed of decision-making.
Taking note of the rapidly changing technological landscape, the PM highlighted the need to develop the Indian military into a “future force”, a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said.
The PM also advised the services to rid themselves of legacy systems and practices that have outlived their utility and relevance, it added.
The statement also said PM Modi particularly appreciated the inclusion of Junior Commissioned Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers in this year’s conference.
Also read: PM Modi hands over indigenous Arjun tank to Army in Tamil Nadu
Indigenisation of military customs
It was not immediately clear what old practices and customs the PM spoke against as the forces draw their traditions from the British era.
Indigenisation of British practices has been a focus area over the past few years, especially since the Modi government came to power in 2014.
Military personnel now increasingly greet each other with ‘Jai Hind’ rather than with ‘Good Morning’, ‘Good Afternoon’ or ‘Good Evening’, an officer in one of the three services said.
Moreover, the marching tunes of the military has now become more or less based on Indian tradition, the officer added.
There has also been an increasing demand among various quarters to do away with the Sahayak system in the armed forces, especially the Army.
The British officers used to get allotted at least one jawan to take care of their clothes, shoes and other items. It slowly took the turn of able-bodied jawans at peace stations getting posted for household chores.
The formal uniform of the armed forces are also drawn from the British era with brass belts and insignias, another officer said.
Modi appreciates armed forces
Meanwhile, speaking to the highest civilian and military leadership of the national defence system, the PM conveyed his strong appreciation for the resolute dedication shown by the armed forces over the past years, in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic and the challenging situation on the northern border.
He emphasised the need to optimise manpower planning in both military and civilian parts of the national security architecture.
The prime minister pointed out that the country would be celebrating 75 years of its independence next year, and called upon the armed forces to use the occasion to undertake activities and initiatives that would inspire the youth of the country, the PMO statement said.
Also read: Modi dares China, tells Indian Army ‘our enemies have seen your fire and fury’
Dont meddle with the fabric of the Armed Forces. Actually this guy doesnt know anything nor understand anything about the Armed Forces. Its the IAS lobby that wants to finger the Armed Forces. Just hope the Chiefs dont get serious to these stupid suggestions. Keep off the back of the Armed Forces and let them do their job. Jai Hind.
Ah! Another buffoon of sorts who would accuse the IAS lobby for the promiscuity of his wife.
What does this pandemic want to do? Isn’t he breaking all tradion and conventions by even daring to controle the army under the “holistic”system?The Indian army is responsible only to the call of the President of the Republic. He can call the shots. And next to the people of India who need their support to safeguard them from the aggressor. The PM is in no way concerned. What would people call this transgression? #AAP
The armed forces are serving the nation well. Whether, it’s the situation of war, terrorism, riots or handling the natural disasters, Everytime the forces have delivered and the nation trusts them. As far as, the so called British era legacy and customs are concerned our whole system is based on them. On the name of indigestion don’t destroy the age old , well established customs and practices that have kept the armed forces upright and dedicated towards their duties and responsibilities, even up to the extent of sacrificing their lives. Better stop politicising the armed forces, and let them continue with their customs and practices.
Changes from old customs and practices are ok so long the dresses for soldiers are not changed to Kurta, Payjamas and Dhoties.
Does indigenisation mean demeaning and depriving? If so, be prepared for the worst
The concept of civilian control had been stretched beyond practicality creating the silos, to keep the resistance to a minimum the top brass was allowed to freely continue with the colonial life style. A welcome change if it happens.
These days even army and services hold meeting and conferences in gujarat, gujarat sends lowest personnel to army and services.