Don’t fake disabilities: Army Chief to officers

Don’t fake disabilities: Army Chief to officers

PUNE: Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat on Thursday warned serving officers and jawans, who avoid posting in operational areas ‘feigning disability’ on the pretext of high blood pressure, and diabetes. 

He said the Army Headquarters will shortly issue instructions in this regard. He was addressing a gathering of soldiers and officers disabled in the line of duty. The event took place at the Bombay Engineering Group and Centre (BEG&C), Khadki, where soldiers from the Army’s Southern, South Western and Central commands gathered.

The Army chief said, “I am observing some officers and jawans, who cannot withstand stress and feign disability citing high blood pressure, diabetes and hypertension to avoid operational duties. They should be ashamed of themselves, looking at the inspiring performances of the differently abled soldiers on the stage here. They should mend their ways or they will soon get instructions from the Army Headquarters that they will not like. We cannot allow a disability to become a reason to avoid operational duty at the cost of lives of officers and jawans, who continue to perform the duty till the last breath in the medical category shape one and continue to bear a load of others without remorse.”

Data of disabled soldiers being compiled
Gen Rawat said the Veterans Cell has been given a task of compiling data of disabled soldiers and facilities being provided to them. Around 90 per cent work has been completed. “Army will provide all assistance to disabled soldiers. If they have any problem, including financial, they should write to their units or the area/sub-area.

“If action is not taken, then they should send a message on the phone number of the Chief of Army Staff Secretariat. I assure that action will be taken within a month. We are also in contact with the corporate sector, which has pledged their assistance,” he said.

‘Army not for giving employment’
The Chief of Army Staff said, “Some people have a misconception that the Army is a way to get employment. I would like to warn such people that the Army is not for employment generation. You have to be mentally and physically fit to withstand the stress and strain of the tough Army life and be courageous. The Army is for such people, who can find ways where there is none. Many youths approach me for jobs in the Army, I tell them if they are looking for jobs, then they should join Railways, start a business, Army is not for a job.”

‘DON’T TAKE PRIDE IN DISABILITY’
Gen Rawat pointed out that Armed Forces’ doctors are qualified enough to ascertain disability. “But there are people, who approach courts and get orders stating that they are disabled to get more pension. They should believe Armed Forces’ doctors, who know their physical condition,” he added.

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