Why NFU only to bureaucrats (English Version) Rakshak News 15 May 19
http://www.rakshaknews.com/vishesh/the-post-the-increase-of-money-why-only-the-bureaucrats
Why NFU only to bureaucrats? (English Version) Rakshak News 15 May 19
The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), which is directly under the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) issued a letter on 30th Apr, forming a high-level committee to examine the recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) on Non-Functional Upgradation (NFU). The committee had no representatives from the armed forces nor the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). This was surprising, as presently the case for granting NFU to the armed forces is in the supreme court while it has already directed the government to implement the same for the CAPFs.
The anger across the spectrum was evident. The committee had those who have already been granted it and ignored those for whom it is most essential. The committee has been tasked to examine ‘various aspects of the recommendations of the 7th CPC on NFU.’ The belief is that the committee has been formed to determine methodologies by which to ensure that others are not granted the same or to delay the allocation. With no clarification flowing from DoPT, this logic is only gaining ground.
NFU is not for financial gain alone, but since it has begun to impact status and inter-se seniority between different services, it is a battle for ensuring status and standing. The army chief, General Bipin Rawat, in a letter to the then defence minister, Arun Jaitley, had stated in 2017, ‘A feeling has apparently been generated that the services are seeking NFU for perks and privileges; which is far from the truth. The issue relates to a gradual degradation of status of the armed forces.’
He explained it further by adding that due to the pyramidical structure of the forces, large number of officers from the armed forces become junior to their counterparts from the civil services due to no fault of theirs. This creates functional problems. The warrant of precedence last issued in 1979 is only for ceremonial purposes. Hence, NFU is essential to maintain their rightful status and dignity. A similar letter was also written by the Navy Chief to the defence minister. Both appear to have been ignored.
The case is common with the CAPFs too. They have been awarded the same by the apex court, but no forward action has been taken by the government. Why is the government, especially the bureaucracy, acting on their own to deny a similar right to others despite even court orders? Is it because they consider themselves to be of a higher status or because they feel that being close to politicians they can ignore just demands of other services and act without political clearance?
In anger and frustration over 30,000 CAPF personnel signed an e-petition on change.org asking the government to implement NFU for them. It took less than a fortnight to obtain the signatures. The home ministry has refused to comment on the dissatisfaction of the CAPFs on NFU.
With the political leadership across the board involved in elections, the government of the day is in a limbo. No major political decisions are being taken. No action is expected till the new government assumes office, which would only be around the beginning of June. Thus, the committee has thoughtfully been given till end of May to submit its recommendations. The DoPT has taken advantage of the current political situation and issued this circular. Its unwillingness to clarify its reasons, indicates that its actions are illegal and unjustified.
The government is also to be blamed for this impasse. It has refused to heed to the demands of the services and push for NFU for them. While it may claim that the battle is in the apex court, however its delay in implementing court decisions on behalf of the CAPFs leaves much to be desired. The uniformed services have begun losing faith in the political leadership as they are permitting themselves to be ruled by the bureaucracy, despite brave words to the contrary by the defence minister in her interactions with the public.
For the disciplined uniformed services this proves that they would have to fight on multiple fronts, the enemy on one hand and the national bureaucracy on the other. Nothing which is even their right, would come to them easily. They have been taken for granted only because of their self-respect and prestige they have never let the government and nation down. This is the same government, which fights for votes on successes of military operations yet falls for the games played by the pen pusher bureaucracy.
When will politicians understand that they are being taken for a ride against those who have trusted them and ensured victory at every step. When will they realize that those who have gained the maximum have never left the safety and security of airconditioned offices while those who sacrifice their lives are left fighting for even their rights? I do hope the new government will comprise of those politicians who possess the guts to shake these pen pushers and stand by the uniformed. If not, the country is heading for ruin as the bureaucracy will only break the bonhomie between all government services.
About the Author
Maj Gen Harsha Kakkar
Retired Major General Indian Army