Die for us but don’t ask better living standards!

That’s the sentiment that is being sent across to all our armed forces. All the three heads of Army/Navy and Airforce are unanimous in their statement that it is high time the pay structure is revised. However our government seems to be avoiding this issue for some reason.

Even after scores of resignations from high-ranking officials the government prefers to turn a blind eye to this matter. The salary revisions in all the Central government employees, the ministers and their bureaucrats was justified saying that Indian economy is booming and the financial health of Indian economy is in a great state, then why a step motherly treatment to our defense personnel?

They form a very important vertical in India’s progress then how can we ignore their and their family’s well being? As it is the defense sector is threatened with low recruitments. The number has been steadily declining for some time and if they are not given enough perks and better pay packages the sector is bound to loose its charm and cease to be lucrative.

Considering the high levels of insurgency and the dangers that they face on a daily basis, I guess it is a small amount to pay. Why would anybody with decent education prefer to join the Army/Navy/Air and subject themselves to dangers while they have much better lucrative careers to look forward to? Even if they did for the love of their motherland would their love survive the test of our ignorance where we don’t even think it is our responsibility to ensure that their families lead a better life?

The outdated pension plans that our government has in place in not even enough for an individual to survive then how can a young widow take care of her family? Why would a layman think of joining the defense sector?

Our government needs to introspect and chalk out better options for this sector. It is a matter of pride to serve your country, please don’t make them feel ashamed of their decisions, don’t make our armed forces feel that the citizens of India, people whom they protect day in and day out don’t care for them!

From Hindustan Times -
The wage increases recommended by the pay panel could see the top generals getting as much as Rs.90,000 a month. In the case of PBORs, the commission has recommended that at the entry level, sepoys (privates) and their equivalents receive a minimum of Rs 7,860, rising to a maximum of Rs 40,600 for subedar majors and their equivalents. (All before tax)

"I would like our civil and defence services to be properly rewarded. I also believe that the tax payers will not grudge anyone of us better remuneration as long as we are serving the best interests of our people, most efficiently," Manmohan Singh

I hope we can do better than this and come up with a reasonable solution!