Who Is So Eager To Abolish Ex-Servicemen Reservation Benefits?
Anuj Kumar Acharya
(The writer is based at Baijnath)
The media these days is agog with detailed discussions about Indo-China border issue, Pakistan sponsored terrorism and Indian defence forces role in case of a war. But on the other hand few people are busy giving air to a new discussion that facilities given to ex-servicemen in state government jobs have been ended. The Union Government and almost all state governments have made arrangements for rehabilitation of ex-servicemen belonging to their respective states. Himachal government too implemented Demobilised Armed Forces Personnel, Reservation of Vacancies in Himachal State Non Technical Services Rule-1972, Demobilised Indian Armed Forces Personnel Reservation of Vacancies in HPS Rules-1974 and Ex-Servicemen Technical Services Riles-1985 for the rehabilitation and welfare of armed personnel belonging to Himachal Pradesh. The state government under these rules provides reservation, seniority and financial benefits to the ex-servicemen.
However for the past few years, certain employee unions are opposing the policy extending benefits to ex-servicemen. In fact they are also spreading rumour that the Cabinet has agreed to the proposal of abolishing section 5(i) of this article in its meeting held in August this year and a notification will also be issued in this regard soon. As for as Demobilised Armed Forces Personnel Rules, 1972 is concerned, the honourable High Court, Shimla gave a verdict against ex-servicemen in case of civil writ petition number 1352-2006. However, the Apex Court has directed the state government to maintain the status quo until verdict is delivered in a special leave petition (civil) number 66(68)2008 and SLP Civil (8710) 2009 filed in supreme court.
Now the question arises why bureaucracy is so eager to end benefits extended to ex-servicemen when the matter is pending before the Supreme Court? Why efforts are put in to make Himachal government take this unpopular decision in election year? Which forces are working behind the scene and who are they trying to benefit? The state government must try to find answers to these questions. The ex-servicemen attain jobs in state government departments after completing all eligibility criteria, then why so much of hullabaloo and jealous attitude towards them? It needs to be remembered that no nation can feel and remain secure that does not respect its defence forces and war heroes.
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