In addition to the above clearly delineated responsibilities, there are numerous other fields in which the army participates for the good of the country. For example, construction of pontoon bridges to facilitate movement of pilgrims during Kumbh Melas is a regular task undertaken by the army. Such assignments can either be assigned to the army by the government or can be initiated by the local army formations of their own volition for the benefit of the citizens at large. Such participation often extends to non-traditional areas where in the army acts as a nation builder; a modernising force; and an agent of order, efficiency and social change. These activities are commonly grouped under the concept of military civic action.
An Appraisal of Military Civic Action
Military civic action entails employment of army on projects useful to the local population at multiple levels in such fields as education, training, public works, agriculture, transportation, infrastructure, communications, health and sanitation. In fact, the list includes all programmes that contribute to economic and social development.
As the traditional role of the army continues to be the security of the country, impact of the role expansion on its professionalism has been the subject of much debate for long amongst the policy makers, political scientists, sociologists and military leaders.
Advocates of military civic action are convinced that the army possesses considerable spare potential, which when suitably harnessed in peace, can accelerate the process of economic development and modernization of the country. They feel that through civic action, the army acts as an agent of social integration. Professor Edward Shils is of the view that the military serves to integrate ethnic groups into a national community, widen horizons beyond villages and locality, keep young men from being infected by nationalistic demagogy and give then a greater concern for the nation as a whole. According to sociologist Morris Janowitz, military becomes a device for developing a sense of national cohesion – a social psychological element of national unity – which is especially crucial for a nation which has suffered because of colonialism.
Completed Elphinstone Road Bridge
In addition, civic action is considered to be an indispensable means of bringing the soldiers and the citizens together. They get to know each other better. Contact with the army promotes cohesion in the society. There are numerous posts on the social media eulogising the dedication and commitment of the soldiers, as witnessed by them at the FoBs. Most Mumbai citizens saw the soldiers working at close quarters for the first time and admitted that they had never been exposed to such a work culture ever before. Thus, civic action helps improve the standing of the army with the population.
On the other hand, many purists feel that the army should concentrate only on its primary task and not divert attention and resources to non-military assignments. They cite four reasons for their opposition. One, bringing in the army to carry out civilian jobs amounts to an admission of the failure of the state and the civil set-up. It shows the replaced civil agencies in poor light, thereby lowering their public standing and morale. In the case of FoBs, they draw attention to the fact that questions are being raised about the competence of the railway engineering department.
Completed Staircase of FoB
Two, excessive dependence on the army can breed a certain degree of complacency in the civil agencies. Requisitioning army provides them an easy way out. Instead of preparing themselves to undertake major challenges that their charter of duties throws up, they tend to resort to the easier path of summoning army’s help for less-demanding tasks as well. Today, the army is called even to rescue a child stuck in an open tube-well bore.
Three, undue involvement in non-military tasks may result in the loss of training time, impeding operational preparedness and adversely affecting army’s combat effectiveness. Such duties can also prove taxing to a soldier psychologically. Frequent switching of roles can dilute a soldier’s focus on his primary task. Four, it can also have an undesirable affect on the apolitical nature of the army, which may start entertaining ideas of a permanent role for itself in civilian functions. It is more applicable to those countries where the civilian administration has yet to acquire the necessary maturity.
It is apparent from the above that both schools of thought reflect extreme viewpoints, probably due to the influences exerted by different politico-socio-military environment. Arguments in favour of civic action are as potent and cogent as those against. Where do we draw the line? One thing is certain, military civic action cannot be faulted as a concept. For, it has always proved highly effective whenever undertaken with due diligence, maintaining balance within acceptable limits as excessive use can prove detrimental.
Side View of the Completed FoB
In view of the above, it can be inferred that Indian army should continue to participate in well-selected civic action activities, albeit with two provisos. One, only the effort that the army can spare without affecting its operational efficiency should be diverted towards civic action tasks. For that, the army’s opinion must be taken. In other words, nothing should be done to dilute army’s focus on the primary task of national defence.
Two, selection of civic action programmes should be such that they do not undermine the civil administration – civic action should supplement the efforts of civil agencies and not attempt to replace them. The army’s entry should not be seen as a failure of the civil agencies to do their job. The army can perform a task for a limited time only and thereafter the civil agencies will have to resume their responsibilities. Hence, civic action should not make them lose their credibility and standing in the eyes of the public. That shall do incalculable harm to the authority of the civil administration.
The Way Forward
There is no disputing the fact that the primary raison d’être for the existence of the army is to ensure national defence against external threats and internal disturbances. Role-expansion should never be at the cost of the ‘professionalism’. However, an army is also an embodiment of a nation’s conscience and will. Being a part of the apparatus of the legitimate government, military owes allegiance to the people of the country. In the case of developing countries, armies are more often called upon to act as a major catalyst in nation building tasks to accelerate the process of economic development and modernization.
The Bombay Sappers prove their mettle yet again
In the wake of the public outrage at the tragedy of 29 September 2017, the Railways sought the help of the army engineers for expeditious construction of three FoBs at Elphinstone Road, Currey Road and Ambivali Road railway stations in Mumbai. It was an unprecedented request but the army never shies away from the challenges, especially when the well-being of the countrymen is affected. The task was assigned to the legendary Bombay Sappers, located at Pune.
The task entailed site reconnaissance, soil testing; development of structural plan and drawings; pile foundation and cap construction; erection of piers; construction and placement of bridges; and building of landing platforms, stair case, canopy and protective wire mesh. As the time was of essence, systems approach was followed and multiple activities were carried out simultaneously. Working closely with the railway authorities, issues affecting safety of commuters, regular running of trains and site imperatives were speedily resolved.
Commencing the work effectively on 24 November 2017, the army engineers completed all the three FoBs in a total period of 117 days. Whereas FoB at Elphinstone Road is 240 feet long, FoB at Curry Road is 100 feet and the one at Ambivali Road has a span of 60 feet. All FoBs were opened for public use on 27 February 2018.
In a recent talk, the army chief General Bipin Rawat revealed that a major part of the army’s budget was being utilised in developing